Poland striker Robert Lewandowski stated why Xavi was able to convince him to move to Spain after he officially joined Barcelona on a €50 million (£43m/$60m) deal from Bayern Munich.

The deal, which has been dragging for weeks now, was finally completed on Wednesday, with the striker penning a 4-year contract with the Blaugrana.

It brings an end to his 8-year spell at the Allianz Arena, although he had a year left on his contract with the Bundesliga champions.

Speaking on the move, the former Borussia Dortmund striker said that Barcelona manager Xavi was able to convince him with his ideas which fit into his own and is ready to help add more to the already huge trophy cabinet of the club.

Furthermore, he stated that it was always a dream of his to play in the Spanish La Liga.

“I saw that his ideas fit mine. It has been easy to make the decision. I want to play and win titles, and I know that with Xavi, this will be very possible. He knows perfectly well how to lead Barca. He was an incredible player, and now he is a great coach. He has a lot of future, and I want to be part of it.” Lewandowski said.

Last season, Lewandowski had 50 goals in 46 appearances at Bayern in all competitions as they won their tenth consecutive Bundesliga title.

In total, since joining them from Borussia Dortmund on a free in 2013, Lewandowski played 374 games scoring 344 times, becoming the club’s second-highest scorer of all time behind Gerd Muller. He won the UEFA Champions League in 2020, and that’s in addition to 8 Bundesliga league titles he won during his stay at the club.

Barcelona has had a swell transfer period as Lewandowski becomes their fourth signing of the summer. Brazil winger Raphinha joined from Leeds United, while Ivorian midfielder Franck Kessie and Denmark defender Andreas Christensen joined on free transfers.

The club, who had a 6-0 victory over Inter Miami in a preseason friendly on Wednesday, also saw France winger Ousmane Dembele sign a contract extension last week.

Written by: Daniel Ademiju Idowu