Finally, it's happening. Robert Lewandowski is moving to Barcelona.
It will be the end of an eight-year relationship between the two teams after the move.
The things did not end well. In the last few weeks, he has voiced his frustration about his job.
When he returned to team training in the third week of July, he arrived late three days in a row and looked sluggish.
It's not clear whether the forward was genuine when he said that he doesn't see any chance of playing for the club anymore. It was seen as a ploy to force his way out of his contract.
It is not as important when you leave as it is when you arrive.
It is the second time in his career that he tried to force a move before the end of his contract, as he tried the same thing in 2013).
There could have been reasons for him to push for a move to Barcelona.
The voters for the Ballon d'Or have neglected him many times. The Best Fifa Men's Player award was won by the Polish player.
One of the most prolific strikers of his generation has not built up the kind of name value you would expect from him. Other players have gotten sponsorship and endorsement deals.
With his 34th birthday approaching, it might be his last chance to benefit from his performances commercially and leave a larger legacy. There is a chance that a revived Barcelona side could be the ideal place to do that. He will be the first choice at Camp Nou, just as he was at the previous club.
They knew when they signed him that he would become a cornerstone of the team.
They didn't know that the Pole would become such a reliable goalscorer and general contributor to the attack that they would argue that he is the best of all time. He would surpass the legend of the 1960s and 1970s.
He was very reliable because of his consistency and professional attitude. The average number of games that Lewandowski played was 47. He was always available and rarely out of form, so managers didn't have to worry about him up front.
He was able to adapt to new managers thanks to hisVersatility. He worked well under a number of people. While some of his team-mates made tactical adjustments, they didn't have to worry about any disruptive noises or anything like that.
He never made the news with anything other than his on-pitch performances. He was a model professional.
There was a relationship between the two teams. During the past eight years, he evolved from a high-energy transition forward into a more respectful number nine who has learned to use smart off-the-ball movement and refine his technical skills in tight spaces. Any weakness was canceled out by Lewandowski.
He became a robot-like strikers which fit his general persona. The fans didn't take his contributions to their hearts.
He knew that money was his main driver. When he extended his contract, he said that he wanted to go to the club of his choice. There wasn't an oath for loyalty.
The recent departure fromMunich was not completely unexpected. It might not tarnish his legacy because he was never meant to be a fan favorite.
Instead, he is seen as a businessman looking out for himself.
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