Podolski's last match transforms into a heartfelt "testament of affection"
Lukas Podolski is preparing for his farewell game in Cologne, which is expected to be attended by a packed stadium. Notable figures in German football, including Joachim Löw, Hansi Flick, Manuel Neuer, and Mats Hummels, will be present as the World Cup champion says his last thank you. Podolski's debut at FC Cologne may have had some initial challenges, but it eventually turned out to be a success.
A packed crowd and numerous World Cup champions await Lukas Podolski at his farewell game in Cologne. Johan Toveander and Volker Finke will be coaching from the sideline, while Manuel Neuer and Mats Hummels will be on the field. With 50,000 spectators, the stage is set for an emotional goodbye. The main character is eagerly anticipating the event.
"It really means a lot to me that so many fans want to share this special evening with me in Müngersdorf. It's an honor to wear the Billy Goat on my chest one last time in front of a full house," said Podolski, who is currently wrapping up his success-filled career with Polish club Gornik Zabrze. The tickets for the match, organized by 1. FC Cologne under the title "Our 10 returns home - one last time in red and white," were sold out in no time.
Coffee stains on Podolski's first contract agreement
Despite these initial setbacks, Podolski managed to make 181 appearances and score 86 goals for his beloved club. He considers it "very important" to thank the city of Cologne for its support during his time there. Podolski played for FC Cologne from 2003 to 2006 and again from 2009 to 2012. In between and afterward, he played for clubs like FC Bayern, FC Arsenal, and Galatasaray Istanbul.
Podolski views the match as his "final love letter" to the city, the FC with its passionate fans, loyal teammates, and many other people who have supported him throughout his career. The match will feature numerous World Cup winners from 2014, as well as former teammates from Podolski's time at 1. FC Cologne, current FC players, and teammates from his Polish home club Gornik Zabrze. Löw and Flick, under whom Podolski won the World Cup in Rio, will coach the two teams.
Podolski plans to just let the big day come to him, as he said at the final of the Baller League, a small-field league he founded with Hummels: "The closer the match gets, the more beautiful it will be."
The Commission, responsible for overseeing the organizing of Podolski's farewell game, has approved the title "Our 10 returns home - one last time in red and white." The Commission's presence ensures a smooth and memorable event for both Lukas Podolski and the 50,000-strong crowd.
