Lewandowski on Chicago Fire: Couldn’t ‘imagine’ any Euro team after Barça

New Chicago Fire signing Robert Lewandowski expressed that he couldn’t envision playing for another European club following his successful four-season run with Barcelona. This sentiment partially explains his recent move to MLS.

Lewandowski, now 37, was officially introduced at a news conference in Chicago on Tuesday, marking the end of his fruitful tenure with Barcelona, which included three LaLiga titles, three Supercopa victories, and one Copa del Rey.

“I couldn’t imagine myself playing for a different club aside from Barcelona, which is why we are taking the next step outside Europe,” Lewandowski stated.

“It’s certainly not easy to transition from Europe to the USA, but we are very excited. Life is changing for us, presenting a new experience. I hope this will be a lovely chapter for my family and me.”

The former Poland international consulted with former teammates Bastian Schweinsteiger, who played for the Fire, and Thomas Müller, currently with the Vancouver Whitecaps, regarding both the league and the city of Chicago. The feedback was overwhelmingly positive.

“When I began asking about the MLS and the city, they both told me it’s amazing,” Lewandowski remarked. “Chicago offers a great environment not just for the club but also for my family.”

Lewandowski joins a Chicago Fire team that has seen improvement since manager Gregg Berhalter took charge prior to last season. Currently, the Fire stands third in the Eastern Conference, trailing first-place Nashville SC by seven points. Lewandowski is optimistic about the club’s potential.

“I see the opportunity to earn titles with this new team. I am very happy, as this marks a new chapter in my career and life. I hope we can enjoy many wins and achieve our goals,” he added.

Berhalter believes Lewandowski’s arrival will enhance not only the team’s standings but also the overall club culture.

“This is a massive signing for our football club. We’re thrilled to welcome Robert. He will influence our culture positively,” Berhalter commented. “Robert is not just an outstanding player, but also an exceptional individual and a driven professional.”

Chicago currently features in-form striker Hugo Cuypers, who is leading the league with 13 goals in 11 matches. Berhalter envisions a successful partnership between Cuypers and Lewandowski.

“We see no reason why both can’t thrive together on the field. They are both high-quality players adept at finishing under pressure in tight spaces,” he expressed.

Lewandowski acknowledges that there will be an adjustment period for both himself and his family, but he remains focused on his performance.

“At my age, transitioning to a new club comes with its challenges, but patience is key. While my focus must remain on the pitch, it’s easier to perform my best when everything off the field is settled,” he concluded.