Lewandowski: after Barca, no other European club; I consulted Schweinsteiger, Muller

Lewandowski attended a press conference following his move to the Chicago Fire on Tuesday, July 14, local time.

Lewandowski stated that, after playing for Barcelona for four seasons, he couldn't imagine himself playing for another European club, which partly explains his decision to move to MLS.

Lewandowski said: "I couldn't imagine playing for another (European) club other than Barcelona, so we knew the next step would be outside Europe. Of course, for us now, moving from Europe to the USA is not easy, but on the other hand, we are very excited. It's like our lives are changing, but it's a completely new experience. I hope that for me and my family, this will be a new chapter in life—a beautiful, good new chapter."

Lewandowski said he had consulted former Bayern teammates Schweinsteiger, who played for the Fire for three seasons, and Muller, now at Vancouver Whitecaps, about MLS and the city of Chicago. Both spoke highly of them.

Lewandowski said: "When I started asking not only about MLS, but also about the city and the club, they told me it was great. And not only in terms of training at the club, but also great for life and for family."

The Fire, whom Lewandowski joined, have been improving since current head coach Gregg Berhalter took over before last season.

Chicago is currently third in the Eastern Conference, seven points behind leaders Nashville, and Lewandowski believes both he and the club have huge potential.

He said: "I see the potential to win titles with my new club. I am very, very happy because this is a new step in my career and a new step in my life. I hope we can enjoy a lot together, along with the staff and players here—not only winning games, but also, as I said before, winning titles. We are in a good position now, but of course we have to work hard, and I hope we can enjoy our achievements at the end of the season."

Lewandowski knows there will be an adjustment period, both for himself and for his family’s living situation.

Lewandowski continued: "At my age, changing clubs is a little easier because I know I sometimes have to be patient with everything that happens around me, not only on the pitch but also off it. Of course, if everything in your life is settled and you're stepping out of your comfort zone to find new things, it takes time. But I can't forget that the main focus should always be on the pitch, and if everything outside football is in place and you can enjoy life, then it's easier to play your best football."

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