Lewandowski's Chicago Fire unveiling: Barcelona memories, 'soccer' joke, and Poland future

A new chapter in Chicago

Robert Lewandowski was officially unveiled as a Chicago Fire player on Tuesday after signing a contract in late June. Head coach Gregg Berhalter opened the press conference by calling it a historic day not only for the club but for the city of Chicago and Major League Soccer as a whole. Berhalter highlighted Lewandowski’s career tally of over 700 goals and his status as the top scorer across Europe’s top five leagues over the past 15 years, as well as the third-highest scorer in Champions League history behind Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi. The Polish striker landed in Chicago on Monday evening and went straight to the team hotel before taking part in his first training session on Tuesday morning, which drew between 60 and 70 media crews according to a TVN24 reporter. His possible debut could come as early as 17 July against Vancouver Whitecaps when the MLS season resumes after the World Cup break.

This is a historic day, not only for Chicago Fire, but also for the city of Chicago and all of MLS. To give some context on how big this transfer is: Robert has scored over 700 goals in his career.

No other European club

Lewandowski made clear that after four seasons at Barcelona, where he netted 19 goals in his final campaign under Hansi Flick, he never considered another European destination. The Spanish daily Mundo Deportivo devoted coverage to his first days in the United States, quoting his words with pride. Lewandowski admitted the decision was difficult for him and his family but stressed he could not picture himself wearing another European shirt. He said the move to Chicago represents a new chapter for him and his loved ones and praised the club’s determination in pursuing him from the very first meeting with the coach in Barcelona.

I didn’t want to play for any other club in Europe, because of what we did at Barcelona. I couldn’t imagine myself playing for another club, besides Barcelona. It is not easy, our life changes, but this is a new experience. I hope it will be a new chapter for me and my family.

The ‘soccer’ debate

A lighter moment came when a local journalist used the word “soccer” in a question about the team’s style of play. Lewandowski smiled and challenged the terminology, asking why Americans call it soccer rather than football when the game is played with the feet. His remarks drew laughter in the room, yet the striker quickly adapted and later used the American term himself. A separate linguistic difference surfaced when Lewandowski referred to the pitch while Berhalter used the word field.

Now I have to learn the word ‘soccer’. I don’t know why you call it soccer and not football. It’s foot-ball. You play with your feet, not your hands.

Tactical understanding with Berhalter

Lewandowski revealed he had already discussed tactics with Berhalter, covering high pressing, building play from the back and ball retention. He stressed that adapting to different systems has been part of his career for years and that he knows how to execute the required style. He emphasized that the team had progressed in recent months and that he hopes to help his new teammates win more matches.

We have already talked with Gregg about how the team should play, how we press, how we build from the back. For me it’s nothing new, because for years I have been able to adapt to different systems. I know how to play. I’ve already learned a bit about the tactics from the coach and I know how to implement them.

Poland future on hold

With Poland having failed to qualify for the ongoing World Cup in North America, questions about Lewandowski’s international future loomed over the conference. The captain of the Jan Urban-coached national side said he first needs to settle into life on a new continent before addressing whether he will continue to wear the Polish jersey. The next national team camp is scheduled for late September, with Nations League matches against Bosnia and Herzegovina (twice), Sweden and Romania. In the meantime, Lewandowski noted he has already been warmly greeted by Chicago’s large Polish community.

What’s more important is to live here a little, play, see what life is like on another continent. I’ll come back to that matter later. I’ll be able to answer a few questions I have in my head and decide what’s best for me and the national team.

Awaiting debut against Vancouver

Chicago Fire currently sits third in the MLS Eastern Conference and fans hope Lewandowski’s arrival can deliver a first league title since 1998. The league paused at the end of May due to the World Cup and resumes with the home fixture against Vancouver Whitecaps in the early hours of 17 July Central European Time. Lewandowski said he was impressed not just by the offer but by how much the club wanted him, from the project and the stadium to the training facility. His first week in the United States has already generated massive local interest and the expectation is that he will feature immediately.