Robert Lewandowski feels betrayed after being stripped of the captaincy

Former Bayern Munich striker and Polish superstar Robert Lewandowski has called out his national team manager after being stripped of the captaincy. The 36-year-old said he feels "betrayed" after Michal Probierz took the armband away from him while he was already considering stepping away from the national team. Speaking to the media, Lewandowski said the manager had simply called to inform him of the decision, rather than having a discussion. He recalled that he was putting his kids to bed when he received the call. The Barcelona striker also shared that he hadn’t even had time to explain the news to his family before it was made public. He said:

I got a surprise call from Probierz with the information that he had decided to take away the armband,I was not prepared for it at all, I was putting my children to bed. The conversation lasted a few minutes.

I didn't even have time to tell my family what had happened, because a few moments later it appeared online. 

Robert Lewandowski recalled his early days with the national team, reflecting on the journey since he first wore the captain’s armband. The Polish striker mentioned that he has represented his country for nearly two decades and led the side as captain for the last 11 years. 

Lewandowski expressed disappointment over how the situation was handled. He opined that after giving everything to the national team, he expected better. He believed that such a decision should not have been communicated over a phone call. Lewandowski said:

I've been wearing the armband for 11 years and playing for the national team for 17. It seemed to me that such matters should be handled differently.

Everything was communicated over the phone. It really shouldn't be like this. The coach betrayed my trust. I've always given everything to the national team, it's always been the most important thing to me, but I'm very hurt by what happened."

Will Robert Lewandowski step down from the national team?

The legendary Barcelona striker mentioned that he would have thought twice before leaving the national team if the matter was handled differently. He also mentioned that he cares a lot for his side.