Did FC Barcelona ask Robert Lewandowski to stop scoring?

“Robert, we would like you to cease scoring objectives within the remaining matches.” The participant checked out him in disbelief. Though the league title was already determined, in addition to the top-scorer award, in additional than a decade enjoying on the highest stage, nobody had ever requested him to cease scoring a objective in his total profession,” the e-book learn.

The context behind the request was monetary. Barcelona was obligated to pay Bayern Munich a €2.5 million bonus if Lewandowski reached 25 objectives within the La Liga marketing campaign. With the title already clinched and the striker sitting on 23 objectives late within the season, the membership hoped to keep away from extra funds that might additional pressure its delicate funds.

Within the remaining two matchdays, a 3-0 win over Mallorca and a 2-1 loss to Celta Vigo, Lewandowski performed the total 90 minutes in each matches however didn’t rating. In consequence, Barcelona prevented triggering the €2.5 million bonus, on prime of the €45 million price already paid for his switch and the membership’s broader monetary difficulties on the time (which persist at present).