Laporta hails Lewandowski after striker joins Chicago Fire

Joan Laporta has delivered a warm tribute to Robert Lewandowski after the forward signed for Chicago Fire, with the Barcelona president describing the Poland international as the man who saved the club.

Barcelona did not make the offer Lewandowski wanted

Lewandowski had waited for Barcelona to present terms that would have convinced him to remain in Spain. That offer never arrived, and the striker instead chose to continue his career with Chicago Fire.

The move brings an end to Lewandowski's time at Barcelona after a period in which he remained an important figure around the club, both on and off the pitch. While there had been hope from the player's side that an agreement could be reached, the situation ultimately moved in a different direction.

Laporta's public message

In reflecting on Lewandowski's departure, Laporta did not hide his admiration. The Barcelona president said Lewandowski was the man who saved Barcelona, a striking endorsement of the impact the striker made during his spell with the club.

That assessment underlines the regard in which Lewandowski is held internally. Even though the club did not put forward the proposal that would have kept him in Spain, Laporta's words suggest Barcelona's leadership sees his contribution in especially significant terms.

A personal request after the transfer

After the transfer was completed, Laporta also asked Pini Zahavi to pass on a message. That detail adds a personal note to the separation, indicating that despite the lack of a renewal offer, there was still a desire from the Barcelona president to make his feelings known to Lewandowski.

The source material does not detail the full content of that message, but the gesture fits with Laporta's public praise for the striker following his move to Major League Soccer.

Lewandowski's next step

For Lewandowski, the decision closes a long wait for clarity over his future. With Barcelona not making the offer he had been expecting, the path opened for a switch to Chicago Fire.

It is a notable change for one of the most recognisable forwards of his era, and it comes with clear appreciation from Barcelona's president, who has chosen to frame Lewandowski's legacy at the club in emphatic terms.