Poland's Robert Lewandowski hints at international retirement after play-off heartbreak

[p]The 37-year-old cut a dejected figure ‌as the final whistle confirmed [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/team/poland/2HzmcynI/"]Poland[/a]'s absence from ‌the world stage following the [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/game/soccer/poland-2HzmcynI/sweden-OQyqbHWB/?mid=pEpXAtm1"]3-2 defeat[/a] by [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/team/sweden/OQyqbHWB/"]Sweden[/a] in Tuesday's ‌qualification play-off final.[/p][p][b]Hours after the loss in Stockholm, [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/player/lewandowski-robert/MVC8zHZD/"]‌Lewandowski[/a] posted a photo of himself on social media leaving the pitch, accompanied by Sarah Brightman and Andrea Bocelli's song "Time ‌to Say Goodbye".[/b][/p][p]The failure to secure a ⁠spot in North ‌America leaves the [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/team/barcelona/SKbpVP5K/"]Barcelona[/a] striker facing the end of a record-breaking ​career without the grand finale he had sought after returning to the squad in August ​following a fallout with former coach Michal Probierz.[/p][p]However, in comments after the match, he played down the significance ⁠of his post, ​indicating that a final decision had not yet been made.[/p][p][b]"I am not in a position to make any declarations. I will return to my club; I still have ‌some matches to play. I will have to answer the question marks in the back of my head for myself,"[/b] he told Polish media.[/p][embed guid="1ff962ed-de21-46b0-b8ea-a306e052d713" url="https://x.com/FabrizioRomano/status/2039097564004278346" social-type="twitter" /][p]With the next World Cup four years away, the recent exit marks a bitter chapter for the Warsaw-born forward who has anchored the national side since his 2008 debut.[/p][p]Lewandowski has captained the team since 2014 and remains Poland's ‌record holder for both goals and appearances, with a ​career tally of 89 goals in 165 international ‌matches.[/p][p][b]"As my career goes on, I appreciate certain moments more,"[/b] Lewandowski had noted earlier in the play-off campaign. [b]"I'm not afraid to end my career because I'm starting to prepare for it... I know it's ⁠a very important ⁠part of my life, ‌but it's not everything."[/b][/p]