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Thomas Muller has appealed to Robert Lewandowski to stay with Bayern Munich after the record-breaking striker requested a move.
It was confirmed last month that Lewandowski had refused the offer of a new contract at Bayern, whom he joined in 2014 on a free transfer from Borussia Dortmund.
He has told Bayern he wants to leave during this close season, rather than wait for his deal to expire next year.
Lewandowski has appeared to leave little wriggle room, saying this week: “What is certain at the moment is that my story at Bayern is over. I don’t see any chance of continuing my career at this club.”
Yet Muller is holding out hope that Lewandowski could have a change of heart.
Muller’s promptings from an advanced midfield role have played a huge part in Lewandowski’s success, with Bayern winning eight consecutive Bundesliga titles since the latter arrived at the club from Dortmund.
Where Lewandowski is the Bundesliga’s goals king, Muller is the assists master.
Speaking to German magazine Kicker, Muller said: “I would like my long-term attacking partner to stay.”
Barcelona are hoping to sign Lewandowski, but their financial problems in recent times may not make the transaction an easy one to achieve.
Bayern will likely expect a substantial transfer fee, and their current stance is that he is not for sale.
“It’s a break and we’ve experienced a lot during these times,” said Muller. “I just remember Franck Ribery’s desire to move to Real Madrid.”
Ribery wanted to join Madrid in 2009 but was convinced to stay and had 10 more successful years at Bayern.
Muller added: “One thing is certain: every player, who is still under contract in Munich on September 1, will also want to play well, because no player enjoys playing badly.”
Lewandowski broke Gerd Muller’s Bundesliga record of 40 goals in a single campaign in 2020-21, and in the season just ended he netted 50 in all competitions for the Bavarian giants.
Muller had a league-high 18 assists in the 2021-22 campaign, matching his total from the previous season.
