Bayern Munich CEO Oliver Kahn condemns Robert Lewandowski for stating his desire to leave

Bayern Munich CEO Oliver Kahn has ripped into Robert Lewandowski after the striker publicly declared his career at the Bundesliga side was 'over'.

The 33-year-old insisted he would leave the German side this summer as expects the club to sell him rather than lose him for free next year, claiming he has no intention of playing for Bayern again.

Lewandowski has one year remaining on his deal in Munich and his recent declaration has put a number of Europe's top sides on high alert, including Barcelona.

The Poland international's comments naturally triggered backlash from within the club.

Bayern legend and CEO Kahn seemingly slammed the star for a lack of respect as he insisted appreciation between the club and player had to be mutual.

Speaking to Sport1, Kahn said: 'I can't tell you why Robert chose this path.

'Public statements like that don't get you anywhere.

'Robert became world footballer here twice in a row – I think he should know what he has at Bayern.'

Kahn then added: 'Appreciation is not a one-way street.'

Lewandowski has one year left on his deal in Munich and has been widely linked to a move to Barcelona.

The marksman has already agreed a three-year deal at the Nou Camp and is willing to take a £100,000-a-week wage cut to make the move, according to The Sun.

Blaugrana boss Xavi confirmed the LaLiga side were already in talks with the player but admitted agreeing a deal could be difficult.

'My era at Bayern is over,' Lewandowski told reporters while on international duty with Poland.

'I don't see any possibility to continue playing for this club anymore.

'Bayern’s a serious club and I believe they won’t keep me, I don't want to play there anymore. A transfer is the best solution. I hope they don't stop me.'

Lewandowski has not been happy at Bayern for some time, with it recently being claimed that he told friends that he started to consider leaving when the club's sporting director, Hasan Salihamidzic, expressed interest in signing Erling Haaland last August.

And, in addition to Barcelona, Lewandowski's comments are likely to put a number of European clubs on high alert, and they may sense an opportunity to secure one of the world's top strikers.

Lewandowski's former agent, Maik Barthel, recently claimed that the Pole has always dreamed of playing for Real Madrid, who recently missed out on securing the services of Kylian Mbappe.

Meanwhile, there is also interest from England, with Chelsea eyeing a move for Lewandowski with Romelu Lukaku facing an uncertain future.

Should he walk away from Bayern, Lewandowski would do so with a remarkable record, having netted 344 goals in 374 matches for the Bavarian giants.

He has won the Bundesliga every year that he has been at the club, while he also helped the side to Champions League glory in 2020.