By Oliver Trust
BERLIN, May 25 (Xinhua) -- Having set a historic record of 41 league goals in 29 games this season has taken Polish spearhead Robert Lewandowski to new heights.
In a recent interview, the 32-year-old spoke about the reasons for his latest success after having won the 2020 sextuple with Bayern Munich and being awarded FIFA's 2020 male player of the year.
"I have changed as a player. You can't compare my game from the past with my game today," the Polish team captain said.
Having scored 48 goals in 40 games in all competitions aside from nine assists made the Pole the world's best ahead of stars such as Barcelona's Messi (30 goals/35 games) and Juventus' Cristiano Ronaldo (29/33).
The forward said he developed into a more advanced player when it comes to tactics and technique. "My entire approach is different as well as my way to concentrate. I act much smarter than before," he added.
Lewandowski said he feels like a completely new sportsman.
The Pole spoke about his development on the pitch but mentioned significant changes in his private life after becoming a father.
"I made my way as a human, growing up much more somehow. Being a father opened new gate for me and changed my thinking. Things I might have neglected in the past are clearly in my mind at present," the Bayern striker commented.
Most important for him is not having forgotten "where my roots are and where I come from. It doesn't matter what you are today, it's more important to know where you started."
His latest developments helped him to not only consider today, but what is going to happen in 10 or 20 years. "I think about things beyond my nose-tip. The problems of other people are my problems as well."
Just looking at one's own life makes things easier, but an approach like that isn't his view anymore.
Lewandowski spoke about a spearhead having to be an egoist to about 60 to 70 percent. "But you also need to be a team player."
"Der Bomber" scored 40 in a sensational campaign in the 1971-72 season, just when the German legend was at the peak of his power. It was a record that had appeared destined to stand forever.
"I have no words to describe this," Lewandowski said after Bayern's 5-2 win over Augsburg in the season closing match last Saturday.
"When you try over 90 minutes to score a goal and it is just not happening and then with the last kick of the game you score then it feels absolutely amazing. I am very happy. This is certainly a highlight in my career."
Levelling the 40-goal record a week ago was one of his most important moments in his sporting career, he said. "That wouldn't have been possible without the help of my Bayern teammates. To act as a team, caring for each other made us get to these achievements. I am extremely thankful."
It paid off to stay calm and rely on your abilities and never lose faith, the attacker mentioned. "I am a better player than I was before looking back some years." Enditem