Karl-Heinz Rummenigge insists Bayern Munich and Real Madrid have a good relationship but Robert Lewandowski isn’t for sale.
The Poland international has been regularly mentioned as a target of Los Blancos, while the teams meet in the Champions League Quarter-Finals.
“I’ve a great friendship with Florentino Perez and Pedro Lopez, we have similar interests in several aspects, with a very good relationship. Obviously, it’ll be different on the pitch,” Rummenigge told AS.
“Why have I praised Madrid so much? Because it’s easy for me. They’re the most popular club, the best known and in recent years also the most successful in the world. Just look at the accounts to realise how well-directed Madrid is by Florentino. It’s no coincidence they also win on the pitch.”
Rummenigge was then pressed on how well he and Madrid President Perez get along when Lewandowski’s name enters the conversation.
“The first thing is I can never pronounce it. The second is we both know what is and isn’t possible. He knows we aren’t going to get rid of players that we don’t want to,” Rummenigge explained.
“It’s no different in Madrid. Clubs in the European elite are respected and know what’s possible. Two years ago we sold Toni Kroos and they sold Xabi Alonso, a very satisfactory exchange of players.”
Asked if Kroos’ success at Santiago Bernabeu hurts, Rummenigge insisted it didn’t as it was a good deal for Bayern too.
“He was a top player here and at Madrid he’s become a world class player. He had one more year on his contract and we didn’t reach an agreement,” Rummenigge recalled.
“That’s why we were clear we had to sell, so he couldn’t leave for free. Toni was already a great player when he was here, but Xabi was a great signing for us.”
