Robert Lewandowski has told Spanish media of his intention to again play for Barcelona at Camp Nou, which would see him through to the end of his contract in 2026.

The veteran striker opted to leave Bayern Munich in the summer of 2022, following a trophy-laden eight-year spell in Bavaria, and penned a four-year contract at Barcelona after they agreed to pay up to €50m for the then-33-year-old’s services.

Lewandowski won the Pichichi Trophy in his first season at Barca – awarded to the player who scores the most goals in La Liga (23) – but things haven’t been so easy this time around amid a season of struggle for the Catalan giants.

The Pole has scored nine times in La Liga and 14 times in all competitions, but Barcelona’s inconsistent form has already seen Xavi confirm his intention to step down as manager. Vitor Roque has also been signed to provide competition for Lewandowski, and the young Brazilian has got off to an exciting start with a couple of goals in his first seven outings.

Question marks have been raised over Lewandowski’s long-term future at Barca, but in an interview with Spanish publication Sport, he was keen to stress his desire to play again at Camp Nou – the club’s iconic stadium that is currently being renovated and is unlikely to be ready for action until during the 2025/26 season.

“It is one of the objectives, to play again at Camp Nou,” Lewandowski confirmed. “It’s a magical stadium, a magical field, and yes, of course, we have to wait ten months I think. In the new season, almost at the end of the year, we will be on the field and we will be able to play with all our people and with that atmosphere.

“I feel very good in the city, my family too, very happy and happy. I am happy in the club, but also in everything else.”

Lewandowski added that he understood Xavi’s decision to walk away from the club he regarded as a legend at, less than nine months after delivering Barca’s 27th La Liga title.

“If you are a player or coach of Barcelona you have a lot of pressure, it is normal,” he said. “The moment is very difficult, not only for the players, but also for Xavi. I understand what this means for him: he is from Barca, a former player, now a coach… From an emotional point of view it is very difficult for Xavi and I understand him perfectly. 

“Not just for him, but for his family too. Now the best thing is that we focus on this season because we can still win with Xavi. Not just matches. I’m one hundred percent focused on it. Not in what will happen at the end of the season. Now it’s not time to talk about this, the priority is this season.”

The 35-year-old also refused to rule Barcelona out of the title race, concluding: “Lots of things can happen. Now we have less than six points on Girona and eight on Madrid, but we have many games. Real Madrid too and can lose many points, but the first thing is for us to play much better and win every game.

“If this happens, we will have a chance in the League. We also have the Champions League, which is very important for the team and for the future. I think anything is still possible this season.”