Lewandowski quits Poland after 'loss of trust' in coach

Robert Lewandowski has withdrawn from the Poland national team, citing a "loss of trust" in head coach Michal Probierz, the striker announced Sunday.

Lewandowski, 36, is Poland's all-time leading scorer with 85 goals in 158 appearances, and had served as captain since 2014. But the Barcelona forward said he would no longer represent the national team as long as Probierz remains in charge.

Robert Lewandowski (1st R) of Poland vies with Ali Albulayhi (2nd R) of Saudi Arabia during the Group C match between Poland and Saudi Arabia at the 2022 FIFA World Cup at Education City Stadium in Al Rayyan, Qatar, Nov. 26, 2022. (Xinhua/Xia Yifang)

The rift became public after Probierz informed Lewandowski on Sunday that midfielder Piotr Zielinski would take over the captaincy.

"By decision of coach Michal Probierz, Piotr Zielinski became the new captain of the Poland team. The coach personally informed Robert Lewandowski, the entire team and the training staff of his decision," the Polish Football Association (PZPN) said in a statement.

Shortly afterward, Lewandowski issued a statement of his own.

"Taking into account the circumstances and a loss of trust in the coach, I have decided to resign from playing for the Poland national team for as long as he remains in charge," Lewandowski said. "I hope I will still have another chance to play again for the best fans in the world."

Poland, currently leading Group G with six points after wins over Lithuania and Malta, will face Finland in Helsinki on Tuesday in its next FIFA World Cup qualifier.