• Bundesliga

Lewandowski sad to miss out on Bayern move

Robert Lewandowski had been closely monitored by Manchester United © PA Photos

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Borussia Dortmund striker Robert Lewandowski has said he was surprised at the club's decision to stand in the way of his move to Bayern Munich this summer.

Lewandowski, 24, was widely expected to be heading to Bayern off the back of a fine season for Dortmund last term, with some suggesting that he had an agreement with the Westfalenstadion side to join Pep Guardiola's men.

However, following much speculation, Dortmund ruled out an exit for the Poland international - who had been linked with Premier League champions Manchester United as well - meaning the player is likely to join the European champions next year, following the expiry of his contract.

While Lewandowski admits he was not expecting Dortmund to put their foot down, he does, though, respect their decision.

"Like always, I gave it my all for BVB during the second part of last season. I played and scored, thinking I was allowed the switch in the summer" Lewandowski told Sport Bild.

"After the talks we held I was convinced I'd be allowed a free decision about my transfer. Then everything changed. Sadly the situation now is I have to stay here. I am surprised about their dealings, but if BVB wants to give up on a lot of money for me, I have to respect that."

Upon hearing that Lewandowski had accepted Dortmund's decision and was prepared to get his head down and concentrate on his football, the club's CEO, Hans-Joachim Watzke, said: "That's good. But we never doubted his character."

Meanwhile, new Fiorentina signing Mario Gomez has told Sport Bild that the Lewandowski-to-Bayern rumours during the closing months of last season were part of his decision to leave the Treble winners.

"My departure was an insidious process. The club's wish for Robert Lewandowski intensified," he said. "During the second part of the season it emerged that everyone wanted it [Gomez's time at Bayern] to end."

Gomez added that the Lewandowski saga had "angered" him, while also hitting out at Bayern's handling of the situation.

"That was also the reason I did not speak to the media for the past two or three months. I was neither hurt, nor did I want to hit out at the media," he said. "I had reacted to the Lewandowski rumours and said that the club had to be asked and not me. Then I was publicly told that us players should deal with the Lewandowski rumours in a relaxed manner.

"There was not any backing for the strikers who were at the club. We were told not to dramatise things. That's when I said, 'I will be relaxed, let's see who answers those Lewandowski questions I get asked all the time'. Nobody did. Nobody was willing to answer the two million questions about him. The other attackers in the squad were also irritated."

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