According to Sportowefakty, Lewandowski stated clearly in an interview that he never planned to participate in just one upcoming training match for the Polish national team; he would participate in the entire training camp. The Polish captain also discussed his future with the national team, his feelings about playing in the MLS, and his career plans.

Lewandowski first addressed recent rumors: "To be honest, I was surprised that a completely false story became the center of public discussion. I'm referring to reports in the Polish media suggesting I only intended to play the first national team match and then return to the U.S. It shocked me that such reports were discussed so widely, as if they were true. From the start, there was no such plan to play just one match." He added that it simply made no sense, as it would involve long flights, jet lag, and then rushing back. "Some people were misled."

After confirming that Poland would play four Nations League matches in September and October, Lewandowski stated clearly: "Of course, that was the plan from the beginning. I will participate in the entire training camp and follow the coach's arrangements from start to finish."

Regarding speculation that he might leave early due to a rescheduled club match, Lewandowski explained that this makeup match was scheduled for the day after his fourth match with the national team, leaving no time for him to fly back to the U.S. to play. He dismissed this notion as completely unreasonable. Lewandowski emphasized: "I believe I need at least two days to adjust to jet lag after crossing continents, so the whole idea doesn't make sense."

As for his future with the national team, Lewandowski found it difficult to pinpoint a specific retirement date and believed no one should pressure him on this matter. He said: "I've been with the national team for 18 years and I've given everything. When I feel it's the right time, and the national team is ready for a transition, it will be easier for me to decide. But will that happen in a few months, a year, or two years? I can't say." He stressed that he wouldn't make a decision just because others wanted him to; he needed to feel it himself. "When the right moment comes, I'll speak with my family and the coach."

Speaking about fan support, Lewandowski said that Polish fans gave him hope and renewed energy, making him feel it was still worth trying. He didn't want to disappoint the fans with a hasty decision. Lewandowski emphasized that he dislikes making empty promises, and the national team topic is too important to him to say something he's not certain about. "There are some questions I don't have answers to yet."

Lewandowski also expressed special affection for the PGE Narodowy Stadium in Warsaw, recalling playing at the site of the old stadium as a child, then scoring in the new stadium's inaugural match and participating in the Euros there, saying it always evokes special emotions.

Regarding appearances, Lewandowski said that if he didn't care, he would have left long ago. He admitted that taking the easy path for peace is always simplest, but he wouldn't do it out of fear of challenges. "As long as I keep trying and fighting, I won't blame myself."

Facing pressure, Lewandowski believes his experience playing at the highest level for so long has helped him overcome mental difficulties. "For me, it's always better to accept a challenge than to bury my head in the sand and walk away."

Regarding retirement thoughts, Lewandowski admitted that as he ages, such thoughts increase, and he wonders when he should stop and how he'll feel afterward. Having recently arrived from Europe to the U.S., he's also observing how his body reacts to crossing time zones, which will help him make a decision.

Speaking about the current state of the national team, Lewandowski hopes more young talent will emerge to help the team transition, making the "umbilical cord cut" less drastic. He prioritizes the national team's interests, hoping they play attractive football and win. In the Nations League, he believes it's time for the coach to give opportunities to others, and he doesn't need to play all matches for the full 90 minutes. Lewandowski openly accepts that he's 38 years old and won't insist on playing every match for 90 minutes.

When asked what else he can bring to the national team, Lewandowski said that beyond technical football skills, he can identify many tactical issues on the field and see areas for immediate improvement, including opponent positioning and his own team's possibilities. His experience and composure can still help, such as creating space for teammates through his movement. He also emphasized that his "feel" in the penalty area is still there.

Evaluating Poland's potential, Lewandowski believes the team is now closer in level to their Nations League group opponents. However, he pointed out that Polish football has many areas needing improvement that often go undiscussed. He criticized short-term thinking, emphasizing that youth development requires patience and consistency.

When asked if he wants to change Polish football as a future federation president, Lewandowski expressed his desire to share knowledge, but knows that good intentions alone cannot drive change. If he receives support, he's willing to help Polish football understand problems from different perspectives.

Regarding his physical condition, Lewandowski revealed that currently in the MLS, he sometimes struggles physically, and playing a match every three days without a full preseason is not easy. He admitted that at his age, training and recovery methods must differ from two or three years ago. The high humidity in the MLS sometimes leaves players willing but unable to perform.

Lewandowski is very satisfied with life in Chicago; his family and children have adapted well, and the club's training facilities and plans are impressive. The only downside is that the stadium's pitch quality is sometimes poor. Regarding the league's level, he believes there are many excellent players, but the salary cap rules limit the depth of team rosters.

Lewandowski stated frankly that he chose Chicago Fire to rediscover the joy of playing football and living, to find the peace of mind that had eluded him for the past 18 years. By leaving the spotlight of major European competitions, he felt the benefits and hoped to broaden his horizons and see football from different perspectives.

Though he received a contract offer from Saudi Arabia for 100 million euros per year in January 2026, Lewandowski said it wasn't the right time to leave Barcelona, and he wanted to finish his career in Europe. To those who think he moved to the MLS for money, Lewandowski countered that even among the offers he received that summer, the Chicago Fire contract was not the highest.

Speaking about fans singing "Happy Birthday" to him away from home, Lewandowski called it one of the most beautiful moments of his career. The enthusiastic support of Polish fans abroad moved him, and he wanted to thank them through this interview.

Lewandowski admitted that he has recently started reflecting on and increasingly enjoying his achievements in Europe. What moved him most was becoming the world's best player twice during the Cristiano Ronaldo and Messi era. "It's so 'wow.' Me, a kid from Warsaw, overcame an extremely difficult path, didn't give up, and succeeded. That's the best part."

He also mentioned the skepticism he faced when joining Barcelona, as he had at every stage of his career. But ultimately, his arrival helped Barcelona regain confidence and financial stability, and he was happy to be part of Barcelona's recovery.

Lewandowski felt great playing against Messi and Suárez this summer and believes Messi proved that players can maintain their form in this league.

Regarding the incident with Rodrigo De Paul, Lewandowski confirmed it but clarified that he mainly lost his temper because De Paul showed disrespect toward Poland and said excessive things. As for De Paul later boasting about trophies, Lewandowski found it amusing because he was aware of his own achievements.

The Chicago Fire coach once praised Lewandowski's arrival for improving team communication fivefold. Lewandowski said he naturally prefers speaking directly rather than gossiping behind people's backs. He's happy to offer tactical advice on the field and accepts corrections from others for team improvement.

Regarding whether he'll play beyond age 40 and if Chicago Fire is his final stop, Lewandowski said he currently can't imagine playing beyond 40. While he could play longer, he probably doesn't have the ambition to be a player at 41 or 42. As for playing for club and country until 40, he frankly doesn't know.

Traducido por IA.

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