In a move that signals the end of an era at Barcelona, star striker Robert Lewandowski has officially announced he will leave the club when his contract expires in June 2026. The Polish goal machine, who has been a talismanic figure for the Blaugrana, decided against extending his stay at the Spotify Camp Nou, setting the stage for a major squad overhaul.

Barcelona manager Hansi Flick addressed the news head-on during his pre-match press conference ahead of Sunday's crucial clash against Real Betis—which will mark Lewandowski's final home game for the club. Flick, who has coached the prolific forward at both Bayern Munich and Barcelona, spoke with genuine admiration about their shared journey.

"The conversation went well. All my titles have been with him," Flick reflected. "For me, it has been a privilege to have him and to work with him. He is an incredible professional who has always performed at the highest level and taken exceptional care of his body. I will never forget him. He is a role model for young players."

The German tactician acknowledged the bittersweet nature of the decision, adding, "I think it's good for him to leave, and maybe for the club, because that's how we'll restructure the team. We talked beforehand, and he announced it in the dressing room. We all know what kind of player he is."

Flick confirmed that Lewandowski will start against Real Betis, a fitting tribute to a player who has delivered countless memorable moments in a Barcelona shirt. However, the manager also looked ahead to the daunting task of finding a replacement for one of football's most lethal finishers.

"Tomorrow he will start because he deserves it. I don't know what will happen next season. We will look at the market, but the replacement is not yet done. We have time. It will not be easy to find a player of that level. He's a great guy, a spectacular professional. We will miss him, but we will manage. We will restructure the team."

For Barcelona fans, Lewandowski's departure marks the close of a chapter defined by his relentless scoring and leadership. As the club prepares for a new era, the search for his heir begins—a challenge that will test the board's ambition and Flick's vision for the future. For now, all eyes are on Sunday's farewell, where the Camp Nou faithful will surely give their No. 9 the send-off he deserves.