Bayern Munich president Herbert Hainer says the club will keep striker Robert Lewandowski despite his desire to leave this summer.
The Bundesliga champions confirmed on Saturday that Lewandowski would not sign a new contract and wants to leave, with Barcelona heavily linked with a move for the Poland star.
However, the 33-year-old has been told by Bayern officials like Oliver Kahn and Hasan Salihamidzic that a move away in the upcoming transfer window will not materialise, and Hainer has reiterated that viewpoint.
He told German TV channel Sport1: “Robert Lewandowski has a contract until June 30, 2023 and he will play with us until then.
“When you sign a contract, and I’ve been doing it all my career, both parties know what’s in it. We can’t talk about ‘forcing’ someone to fulfil their contract.
“Robert said that we have to find a solution for both parties and Bayern is one of the parties. He is within his rights not to want to extend the contract. He also joined us on a free transfer. An agreement cannot be unilateral, that’s what contracts are for.”
Lewandowski said he may have played his final game for Bayern after their 2-2 draw with Wolfsburg on the last day of the Bundesliga season.
He revealed: “It’s very possible that this was my last game for Bayern. I cannot say that at 100%, but it may have been [my last game]. We want to find the best solution for me and for the club.”
