'I don't like the gesture' - Barcelona star Robert Lewandowski slammed for pulling out of international duty as Poland prepare for vital World Cup qualifier against Finland

Barcelona striker Lewandowski has been slammed by legendary former Polish international Zbigniew Boniek after the veteran striker announced he would not be taking in part in the nation's upcoming games in June, which also includes a crucial World Cup qualifying group stage game against minnows Finland.

Earlier this week, the 36-year-old revealed that he would not be joining the Poland national team squad for a friendly against Moldova followed by the World Cup qualifier against Finland. Lewandowski took to social media to explain his reasons behind withdrawing his name from the squad, citing that he was physically exhausted.

“Dear fans! Due to the circumstances and the intensity of the club’s season, the coach and I have jointly decided that I will not participate in the Polish national team’s training camp in June," he wrote. "Playing in red and white has always been a dream come true for me, but sometimes your body gives you a signal that it needs a temporary rest. I support the players with all my heart and believe we have beautiful moments and many goals to achieve. See you soon!”

Speaking on Prawda Futbolu (h/t Barca Universal), the ex-Poland Football Association president said: “I would like to extend his vacation… the captain of the national team. As for me, I wouldn’t have done that. Robert did it and I respect him, but I don’t like the gesture."

The former Dortmund and Bayern Munich striker had a terrific individual and collective season at Barcelona, scoring 42 goals in all competition to reach a century of goals in Blaugrana colours. He will be entering the final year of his contract, but it remains to be seen if he stays beyond the 2025-26 campaign. He does, however, have an option to extend his stay in Catalunya until June 2027.