Thousands of Barcelona fans turned out to see their new star striker on Friday as Robert Lewandowski was officially introduced.
Fans flocked to the Nou Camp to welcome the Pole to Catalonia and Lewandowski surprisingly donned the number nine shirt.
He’s worn number 12 in his three pre-season appearances. However, he was presented to the fans with the number nine which means either Depay was happy to hand it over, or his future with the club is now in doubt.
Like every Barcelona player, Depay has been linked with a move away from the club this summer with Tottenham and Newcastle rumoured suitors.
But Lewandowski made an instant impression on his new adoring fans.
“Good Morning Culers,” Lewandowski began in Catalan, which went down well with the crowd.
“I am very happy to be here, thank you!” he continued.
The forward, who scored 238 Bundesliga goals in 253 games for Bayern, then dazzled the fans with some fancy kick-ups. He did a significantly better job than Ousmane Dembele and Martin Braithwaite before him.
Lewandowski, 33, signed a four-year contract with a release clause set at €500 million after departing Bayern Munich for £42.5 million.
He had 12 months remaining on his deal with the German giants but insisted he wanted a new challenge.
A lot of things have been said about former Bayern Munich star and current FC Barcelona striker Robert Lewandowski since his move and the Poland international wanted to clear the air.
“I heard that Barcelona wanted to sign me, and that was a sign that maybe now is the perfect timing to go to Barcelona, go to LaLiga. I know that I can still play for a few years on the top high level and that’s why I decided to go to Barcelona. I’m very happy to be part of this team,” Lewandowski remarked.
Barcelona have renovated their team this summer despite very public financial struggles. The Spanish giants sold off various assets, including some of their TV deals, to fund their summer splurge and president Joan Laporta has suggested it might not be over.
Chelsea’s Marcos Alonso and Manchester City’s Bernardo Silva remain targets.
FootballBible
1
He wants to say he’s the best number 9 in Spain right now[Crylaugh][Crylaugh][Crylaugh]
binablmntz
0
give depay 11
Dacadinpst
2
Barca is a traitor. See how they treated depay like nobody. really sad
Ceaasy
0
Memphis should be given number 12
Pls convey 🤪🤪
Sleek_savage
1
Damn they snatched the number from Depay or what
AlameenMalami
0
Memphis likely Chelsea
I wish him all the best 🦁
Shauny300
0
Correct. We Cules have more respect & tradition than Madrid. Thats why Lewy must reject no. 9 as respect to Memphis. Lewy will be Judas for disrespect. Why make Barca become like Madrid. Lack respect for players. Lack class.
man shut up Depay literally signed a 2yr deal because he don't see himself long here & u talking about respecting players when players only care about themselves go sit one side kid
SheldonCooper
0
Ronaldo didn't respect Raul lmao Raul was a legend that's why Ronaldo had to settle for #9 & what about Asensio taking Bale #11 while he was on loan?? y'all pick & choose what to talk about
Correct. We Cules have more respect & tradition than Madrid. Thats why Lewy must reject no. 9 as respect to Memphis. Lewy will be Judas for disrespect. Why make Barca become like Madrid. Lack respect for players. Lack class.
SubashChandru
0
Memphis should be given number 12
Memphis likely Chelsea
BrianKessy767
3
barca extremely disrespectful
Shauny300
2
This is against Barca tradition. Even Real Madrid, Zidane came took no. 5, Ronaldo respect Raul took no. 9. This is a big shame for respect & tradition.
Ronaldo didn't respect Raul lmao Raul was a legend that's why Ronaldo had to settle for #9 & what about Asensio taking Bale #11 while he was on loan?? y'all pick & choose what to talk about
sealain
2
Later some idiots will say Ronaldo is arrogant that’s why he took the number 7 from cavani but depay gave lewandowski as surprise gift right 😂 make I no talk
AlameenMalami
2
Memphis should be given number 12
SheldonCooper
2
This is against Barca tradition. Even Real Madrid, Zidane came took no. 5, Ronaldo respect Raul took no. 9. This is a big shame for respect & tradition.
tikdotyz
0
Depay come to Chelsea plz
charitywale
7
It's a pity for Memphis, that's too harsh on him.. Best of luck for both
Wapmnort
1
FINALLY THE IN NO9 SHIRT
issiis
3
Memphis Right now
Wonder433
3
that no 12 jersey is not Gingering him... now with this new 9 jersey he will score more goals