Barcelona forward Robert Lewandowski has shared his reasons for stepping back from international duty with Poland while Michał Probierz remains in charge.
The seasoned attacker had already made it clear he would not return to play under the current manager.
Reports indicate that the situation stems from the coach’s decision to strip Lewandowski of the captain’s armband.
Now 36, Lewandowski expressed disappointment in how the news was delivered, labeling it as lacking in respect.
During a conversation with WP Sportowe Fakty, Lewandowski described the moment he was unexpectedly contacted by the coach, who informed him that his eleven-year tenure as captain had ended without any rationale.
“I wasn’t expecting it at all; I was putting my children to bed,” he recalled.
He further explained that, although he hadn’t informed his loved ones yet, “a message appeared on the PZPN website. The way it was communicated to me is really surprising to me.”
Having served as both captain and key figure for Poland over nearly two decades, Lewandowski continued, “It seemed to me that such matters should be handled differently. It really shouldn’t be like this. The coach betrayed my trust. I’m very hurt by what happened.”