Lewandowski faces 'huge challenge' at Barcelona

Barcelona (AFP) – Polish striker Robert Lewandowski said he was aware of the “huge challenge” which awaits him at Barcelona as he was presented at the Camp Nou on Friday a week before La Liga kicks off.

The 33-year-old, who signed last month from Bayern Munich for around 50 million euros, was unveiled as a Barcelona player alongside club president Joan Laporta.

“I am very proud to be here…it is a huge challenge, not just as a striker but also to push other players to give the best of themselves,” he told a press conference.

“I know that recent times have not been easy for the club…but I know that I can be much better in the future with this team…we have enormous potential,” he added.

Lewandowski joins Barcelona in the midst of a financial crisis yet although the club have racked up debts of almost one billion euros.

He was presented on the pitch wearing the 9 on his back which belonged to Dutchman Memphis Depay last season.

“It’s a historic day…this operation was not easy,” said Laporta.

Lewandowski joined Bayern in 2014, scoring 344 goals in 375 competitive matches and broke the Bundesliga’s single-season scoring record.

But he left the German champions under a cloud after a dispute over a new contract as well as clashing with coach Julian Nagelsmann over tactical choices.