Poland’s all-time leading goalscorer Robert Lewandowski has announced he will not represent the national team while Michal Probierz remains head coach, Afrosport reports.
This follows his removal as team captain after Probierz appointed Inter Milan midfielder Piotr Zielinski as new captain on Sunday.
A statement from the Polish Football Federation (PZPN) read: “By decision of coach Michal Probierz, Piotr Zielinski became the new captain of the Polish national team.
“The coach personally informed Robert Lewandowski, the entire team and the training staff of his decision.”
Lewandowski was left out of the squad for the current international break, citing physical and mental exhaustion after a long season as the reason for his absence.
The 36-year-old, who has scored 85 goals in 158 appearances for Poland, took to social media to respond to the news.
“Considering the circumstances and the loss of trust in the Polish national team coach, I have decided to step back from playing for the Polish national team as long as he remains the coach,” Lewandowski wrote on Instagram.
“I hope I will have the chance to play again for the best fans in the world.”
Lewandowski, who was in top form this season for Barcelona with 42 goals in 52 games, has represented Poland at four European Championships and two World Cups.
