Lewandowski Joins Chicago Fire, Citing Desire Not to Play for Another European Club

Robert Lewandowski is embarking on a "new adventure" with the Chicago Fire in Major League Soccer, joining the team as a designated player. With over 600 career goals, numerous individual accolades, and a vast collection of titles, the Polish striker represents a significant acquisition for the Illinois-based club.

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This is a historic day for the Chicago Fire FC, and also for the city and for the MLS. I want to thank Robert for choosing Chicago. It is a huge signing for our club. He is not only an extraordinary player, he is also an incredible person. Robert is the piece that will take us to the top.

Chicago Fire head coach Gregg Berhalter hailed the signing as "a historic day for Chicago Fire FC, and also for the city and for MLS." He expressed gratitude to Lewandowski for choosing Chicago, calling him "an extraordinary player" and "an incredible person" who is "the piece that will take us to the top."

Lewandowski admitted that his decision to move to MLS was complex, involving a departure from Europe where he built his legacy. "For some months I knew I wanted to come here, but it took me time to make the decision because it is something completely new for me and my family," he stated. A significant factor in his choice was his unwillingness to play for any other European club after his tenure with Barcelona.

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For some months I knew I wanted to come here, but it took me time to make the decision because it is something completely new for me and my family.

"I didn't want to play in any other club in Europe after Barcelona; I couldn't imagine myself in another team outside of Barcelona," Lewandowski shared. He also noted that he has been following MLS for several years due to players he knows in the league.

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I didn't want to play in any other club in Europe after Barcelona; I couldn't imagine myself in another team outside of Barcelona.

Having completed his first training session after traveling from Poland, Lewandowski feels prepared. "I feel very good. I need a little more time to adapt to the team. I am sure that with my new team we can do a good job. I am here not only to play, but to help the team take a step forward on and off the field," he said. He believes there is "potential to win titles with this team" and anticipates enjoying the experience. His debut could come as early as Thursday against Vancouver Whitecaps.

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I feel very good. I need a little more time to adapt to the team. I am sure that with my new team we can do a good job. I am here not only to play, but to help the team take a step forward on and off the field.