Robert Lewandowski makes a clear statement about leaving Bayern Munich

Robert Lewandowski has reportedly made it clear that he would not do his pre-season with Bayern Munich.

The Polish striker has earlier decided against renewing his contract at the Allianz Arena and has been heavily linked to a move to Barcelona this summer.

However, the German giants remain adamant that they would have the player see out his contract at the club, which runs till next season.

According to Sport1, the talismanic striker is not keen on taking part in Bayern Munich's pre-season matches. the Bavarians would be in the USA from July 18 to 24 after which they would play the Supercup vs. RB Leipzig and then a first-round DFB Pokal match against Viktoria Cologne.

Lewandowski: "I only want to leave Bayern. Loyalty and respect are more important than work. The best way is to find a solution together",

"Something has died in me, I want to leave Bayern for more emotions in my life" told to One Sport.

This is positive news for Barcelona, who are keen on signing the striker ahead of the new season. The addition of someone of Lewandowski's caliber would greatly bolster their attack as they aim to challenge for major honours next year.

Meanwhile, Bayern president Herbert Hainer has told Bild that the club is still planning to keep hold of Lewandowski even though the striker has made it clear he feels his time at the Allianz Arena is up and he does not want to play for the Bavarian giants again.

"We have always said that Robert Lewandowski has a contract with FC Bayern until June 30, 2023. And a contract is a contract! Where are we going if a player can end a contract early while we as a club would have to pay him in full up to the last day of the term? That's an inequality, it can't be like that," he said.

"I'm a bit surprised that Robert chose to go public, I wouldn't have done it if I were him. He has been with FC Bayern for a long time, has won many titles with us: the Champions League, eight times German champion, he has twice become world footballer as a Bayern player. I think he knows very well what he has at Bayern, namely a club that treats its players very well, that does everything to enable them to perform at their best."

Lewandowski has emerged as Barca's top target this summer even though La Liga president Javier Tebas has said the club aren't in a position right now to sign the striker.

President Joan Laporta was quick to respond by telling Tebas to stop talking about his club as "he's quite clearly harming Barca's interests."