Robert Lewandowski denies he quit Poland over captaincy debacle as Barcelona striker makes return in Netherlands draw

After marking his return to the Polish national team in a 1-1 draw against Netherlands on Thursday, Lewandowski denied that a dispute over the captaincy was the reason for his temporary international retirement. The Barcelona striker played 63 minutes the World Cup qualifying clash and was quick to dismiss the rumours surrounding his recent absence. He insisted that the issue of the captain's armband was "greatly exaggerated" and was "never a problem" within the squad.

The striker's return to the national team draws a line under a short but highly publicised saga that threatened his international future. The conflict ignited when former coach Michał Probierz stripped Lewandowski of the captaincy in June, handing the armband to Piotr Zielinski instead. In response, the 37-year-old announced a self-imposed exile, publicly stating he would not play for Poland again as long as Probierz remained the manager. The stalemate was broken shortly afterwards when Probierz departed, which paved the way for new coach Jan Urban to initiate contact. Urban moved swiftly and decisively to resolve the dispute, not only recalling the striker but also immediately confirming his reinstatement as team captain, with Zielinski appointed as the new vice-captain, but Lewandowski downplayed the importance of the armband.

"The issue of the armband is greatly exaggerated. It's a source of pride to be captain, but it was never a problem and it will never be a problem in this national team," Lewandowski said. "We talk about it within the team, and it was never a problem. For me, the important thing is to focus on how the national team plays, what we do well, and what we need to improve. Being captain is a great honor, but it shouldn't be exaggerated."

When asked if Urban's tenure feels like a new beginning for the national team, he added: "You should ask the players, because I wasn't there. But they told us we were almost starting over.

"It was a great feeling to hear my name called [from the fans] after leaving. It gave me extra motivation, and I felt my desire to return was even stronger thanks to that support. They played a huge role in my decision, and I want to thank them again."

Poland's World Cup qualifying campaign continues with a vital home fixture against Finland on Sunday. Lewandowski has declared himself fully fit and ready to play the entire 90 minutes. 

"Yes, definitely," he said. "We don't have another game in two days, so it's different. I think I'll be ready to play at home against Finland."