Pini Zahavi: Lewandowski turned down 200 million in January to stay at BarcelonaRobert Lewandowski wanted to remain at Barcelona for another season, and club president Joan Laporta was equally keen for him to stay. That is according to the strikers agent, Pini Zahavi, who explained the circumstances behind Lewandowskis departure in an interview with Sebastian Staszewski for SportoweFakty (via SPORT).Zahavi discussed the reasons behind the forwards exit, the offers he received and why he ultimately chose to continue his career in Major League Soccer. He also suggested that Lewandowski could one day return to Barcelona in a different role, following a conversation with Laporta.Laporta wanted Lewandowski to stayZahavi, who maintains a close relationship with the Barcelona president, revealed that Laporta was eager for Lewandowski to remain at the club.You know that Joan Laporta adores him, really! And he wanted Robert to play at Camp Nou for one more year. I spoke to him about it in December, and he told me then: I want Robert to stay.'Lewandowski left Barcelona as a free agent. (Photo by Eric Alonso/Getty Images)However, Laporta chose not to interfere with decisions being made by the sporting department and coaching staff.Theyre the ones who decide the squad. And they couldnt guarantee Robert a place in the starting eleven, which was more important to him than even the money, Zahavi explained.According to Zahavi, Lewandowskis desire to remain an important player ultimately influenced his decision to leave.You know him he always wants to play, to be a key player in the team. However, Deco and Hansi had different visions for Roberts future at Barcelona, so at a certain point we began to consider other options.From that moment, the strikers future gradually moved away from Camp Nou.Laporta: He saved BarcelonaDespite his departure, Zahavi insists the relationship between Lewandowski and Barcelona remains extremely positive.The agent revealed another conversation with Laporta that left a lasting impression.He said to me: Tell Robert that we want him. Hes part of our history the man who saved Bara. Do you get it? He saved Bara thats exactly what he said.Laporta adores Lewandowski. (Photo by Eric Alonso/Getty Images)Those comments convinced Zahavi that Lewandowski would always have a place at the club.Thats why I believe that if he ever wants to work for Bara, therell be a place for him there, he added.Lewandowski rejected a 200 million Saudi offerThe Polish striker had the opportunity to leave Barcelona several months earlier but chose not to.Zahavi disclosed that in January this year Lewandowski received a two-year offer from Saudi Arabia worth 100 million per season.In January 2026, Robert had a two-year offer on the table worth 100 million euros per season, explained the agent.When asked why the proposal was rejected, Zahavi gave a straightforward answer.Because he wanted to play for Barcelona.Chicago Fire chapterLewandowski was never interested in moving to England, Germany or France. Within Europe, Barcelona remained the only club he was prepared to represent.A new chapter in the MLS. (Photo by Leonardo Fernandez/Getty Images)In the end, he signed for MLS club Chicago Fire, who had been pursuing the veteran striker for over a year.The Fire executives fought harder than anyone else for him. It is rare for a club to want a player so much. They were patient, determined and creative. They did everything possible to convince Lewandowski. Everything, said Lewandowski.Lewandowski signed a two-year deal worth approximately $40 million in total. According to Zahavi, it is the second-highest contract in the league, behind only Lionel Messis.Zahavi believes Lewandowski can have a transformative impact similar to the one he made after arriving at Barcelona during a difficult period for the club.When Lewy arrived at Barcelona, they were in a critical situation, with serious financial problems. But Robert took the risk and helped them return to the top. I believe he can follow a similar path with the Fire.