Erling Haaland ‘sorry’ for Robert Lewandowski after Bayern failed after Norwegian star

Erling Haaland has admitted he felt sorry for Robert Lewandowski following Bayern Munich’s failed attempts to sign star striker Haaland as a replacement for the Pole.

The Norwegian superstar was on Bayern’s radar earlier this year during his spell at Borussia Dortmund, where he scored a staggering 86 goals in just 89 games.

The prolific 22-year-old so impressed club bosses with his performances in the Bundesliga that they tried to lure the new Manchester City striker to the Allianz Arena earlier this year.

Erling Haaland was courted by Bayern Munich before his eventual move to Manchester City

Haaland had many tussles with Robert Lewandowski during the striker’s days in the Bundesliga

European football heavyweights such as Real Madrid, Barcelona and Manchester United also played for Haaland but Bayern’s interest appeared to anger the Norwegian, who has been targeted as a replacement for Robert Lewandowski.

Haaland was filmed in a documentary called Haaland: The Big Decision pondering a decision for his future club.

On the show, Haaland says: “If I try to imagine how Lewandowski thinks … I don’t know how many goals and titles he has for the club. Then I actually feel a little sorry for him. At the same time, it is an opportunity for him to take the next step in his career. It feels disrespectful, but at the same time it’s an opportunity for him.”

The striker’s father, Alf-Inge, also spoke of Bayern’s interest: “They showed interest, they did. I understand that you want to protect yourself. If he doesn’t land there, they will say: “It was never on the agenda, we already have the best striker.”

Haaland admitted he felt sorry for Lewandowski after learning about Bayern’s plan to replace him

The duo stepped out in their new colors in a friendly between City and Barcelona last month

FC Bayern initially denied any interest in Haaland, but in a recent interview with Sky Deutschland, Bayern sports director Hasan Salihamidzic revealed for the first time that the Bundesliga champions were trying to bring the striker to the club.

“We were in talks [for Haaland], but it became clear that things might not work out that way for either side. That’s why he’s at Manchester City now and that’s why we have other players,” said Salihamidzic.

Lewandowski, 34, joined Barcelona after a long summer of negotiations in a bid to convince Bayern to sell him to the LaLiga giants. He was unfazed by Bayern’s attempts to plan a life after him and retired of his own volition.

Lewandowski’s move to the Nou camp has proved fruitful with five goals scored so far

The Pole has continued his prolific form at the Nou Camp and has already scored five goals in La Liga.

Meanwhile, Haaland has had a sparkling start to life at Manchester City, scoring 10 goals in six games, including two hat-tricks in the span of four days against Crystal Palace and Nottingham Forest.

Haaland scored City’s opener in Saturday’s 1-1 draw at Aston Villa before Leon Bailey equalized and gave Steven Gerrard’s side a point.