Robert Lewandowski has revealed that in 2012, he decided to join Manchester United, and had “said yes” to the move, but the transfer was blocked by Borussia Dortmund.
In an interview with the BBC, the FC Barcelona striker explained that after his second season with Dortmund, he agreed to join the Red Devils.
“I wanted to join Manchester United, to see Sir Alex Ferguson,” he said. Dortmund, however, refused to sell him, knowing that letting him stay longer would bring them greater profit, and that he might wait another year or two to move on.
“They could not sell me,” Lewandowski said. “Because they knew if I stayed they could earn more money, and that I could wait maybe one or two more years.
“But it is true that I said yes to Manchester United.”
Reflecting on potentially missing out on the Premier League, Lewandowski admitted there could have been some regret. But when looking back on his career, with spells at Bayern Munich, Borussia Dortmund, and now Barcelona, he said he is very satisfied. He emphasized that all his career decisions have been intentional and aligned with his own ambitions.
“Maybe it could be a regret [not to play in the Premier League]. But when I am looking back [having] played for Bayern Munich, Dortmund and now Barcelona I have to say I am very happy with my career. I don’t have this kind of feeling that I missed something, because every move or decision... I made because I wanted it,” he said.
After being held back by Dortmund, Lewandowski remained with them until 2014 before moving to Bayern Munich, where he became one of Europe’s most prolific goal scorers. He joined Barcelona in 2022 and continues to excel there.