Barcelona president Joan Laporta heaps praise on Robert Lewandowski after the forward made a gesture to the club earlier in the summer.

Barcelona president Joan Laporta has revealed that Robert Lewandowski offered to amend his contract during the summer transfer window.

The Catalan giants have made the perfect start to the 2024-25 campaign, already establishing a four-point lead at the top of the La Liga standings.

Lewandowski has netted four goals in as many games, Hansi Flick's side winning each of their quartet of fixtures to gain an early advantage in the title race.

However, Barcelona did not endure a straightforward summer when it came to finances, once again struggling to generate funds for new signings to be registered.

That had been the case with Dani Olmo until the exit of Ilkay Gundogan and other fringe members created enough room on the books for the Euro 2024 winner to become a part of the squad.

Laporta reveals Lewandowski gesture

At one stage, the perception was that Barcelona officials would have been happy if Lewandowski accepted a transfer elsewhere given the benefits that it could have brought their off-the-field situation.

Nevertheless, it was never a realistic possibility with the 36-year-old stressing on more than one occasion that he and his family are settled in the city.

The Poland international has since proven that he has a key role to play in Flick's new side, and Laporta has moved to heap praise on the veteran at a press conference on Tuesday.

As well as complimenting Lewandowski on his professionalism, Laporta also made it publicly aware that the frontman had offered to take a wage cut in order to help with the club's financial issues.

Laporta said: "I see Robert as more motivated than ever. Robert needed this new boost, he is in very good physical shape and he looks very excited. He is a player committed to the club and I can assure you of that.

"When he heard that yes, to reach 'fair play' we might make some 'efforts', he offered his contract. I appreciate it very much, but I told him that it was not necessary.

"He is very committed to the club and is also demanding with the team, with himself and with his teammates' performance and I am sure that this will be Lewandowski's best year."

What would Lewandowski need to do to achieve his best Barcelona season?

Having scored 33 goals and won a La Liga title in his first season at Camp Nou, the bar is certainly set high for Lewandowski.

Flick may also have to choose moments in the season to rest a player who has just turned 36 and the only recognised backup being Pau Victor, who had not played in La Liga before the start of 2024-25. body check tags ::

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