Robert Lewandowski believes his trust was "betrayed" by Poland head coach Michal Probierz after confirming he was stepping away from international football this week. 

Lewandowski, who is Poland's all-time goalscorer and appearance-maker, said on Sunday he would not play for his country again as long as Probierz remained in charge. 

The 36-year-old cited "physical and mental tiredness" as the reason for making himself unavailable for his country during the current international window. 

The decision came after Lewandowski was stripped of the captaincy, although the Barcelona striker said it was the way the issue was handled which hurt most.

"I got a surprise call from Probierz with the information that he had decided to take away the armband," Lewandowski said in an interview with SportoweFakty on Monday.

"I was not prepared for it at all, I was putting my children to bed. The conversation lasted a few minutes.

"I didn't even have time to tell my family what had happened, because a few moments later it appeared online.

"I've been wearing the armband for 11 years and playing for the national team for 17. It seemed to me that such matters should be handled differently.

"Everything was communicated over the phone. It really shouldn't be like this. The coach betrayed my trust.

"I've always given everything to the national team, it's always been the most important thing to me, but I'm very hurt by what happened."

Lewandowski's choice followed days of criticism in the Polish media following his decision not to make himself available for games against Moldova and Finland this month. 

He played 52 times across all competitions for Hansi Flick's side, netting 42 goals as he helped his team lift three trophies, including the LaLiga title. 

As a result, Probierz opted to replace Lewandowski as captain, with Piotr Zielinski handed the armband for their two international fixtures this month. 

"It's not even about the decision regarding the armband, but the way it was communicated to me," Lewandowski added.

"I really don't care about the armband itself. I believe in Zielinski, and I'm keeping my fingers crossed for him.

"I have the impression that the coach caved in to the media pressure. He broke agreements we had and that's why I'm surprised by his attitude.

"The decision that I wouldn't come to the training camp was made together with the coach.

"I called him to ask what he thought about me getting some rest. He said that he supported it and that he was even thinking about calling me about it."

Lewandowski, who has one more year to run on his Barca contract, said he may not have stepped away from the national team if Probierz had dealt with the situation differently.

"I want to sit down and think about it all calmly," he said when asked if he will play for Poland again.

"I need to catch my breath. Then I will be able to say more about my thoughts and what's next. Today there is regret and anger.

"I have always cared a lot about the national team. Nothing has changed in that respect."