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CHICAGO (AP) — Robert Lewandowski is looking forward to providing a big lift to the Chicago Fire as he is set to join Major League Soccer.The 37-year-old, who signed a two-year contract with the Fire, knew he didn’t want to stay in Europe when his contract expired with Barcelona in May.“I couldn’t imagine myself with a different club besides Barcelona, so that’s why we knew that the next step would be outside of Europe and of course, that it’s not easy to move from Europe to USA, but we are very excited,” Lewandowski said on Tuesday at an introductory news conference at the club’s training facility. “But of course, our lives are changing, but it’s a new experience.”Lewandowski scored 119 goals in 192 appearances for Barcelona. He helped Barcelona win three La Liga championships in four seasons, including this year, and one title at Copa del Rey, Spain’s national tournament.
Lewandowski also has played a record 167 international games for Poland, beginning with a goal in his debut against San Marino in 2008, when he was 20. Lewandowski is Poland’s all-time leading scorer with 89 goals.Lewandowski is a designated player, one of three roster spots that MLS teams carry that can exceed the salary cap. The Fire are scheduled to open McDonald’s Park, a soccer-specific stadium, in 2028.
