Thursday's match marking Podolski's farewell served as a poignant "last expression of affection."
Lukas Podolski extends an invitation to his farewell game in Cologne, drawing a large crowd of prominent German football figures. The event will be graced by the presence of managers like Joachim Löw and Hansi Flick, as well as star players such as Manuel Neuer and Mats Hummels. With 50,000 spectators eager to participate, the stage is set for an emotional goodbye.
Podolski, touched by the fans' enthusiasm, expresses his gratitude for their desire to join him in this memorable event at Müngersdorf. His professional career, now winding down at Gornik Zabrze, will bring him back to the Billy Goat jersey one last time in front of a packed audience. The match, titled "Our 10 returns home - one last time in red and white", sold out swiftly due to the organizing efforts of 1. FC Cologne.
Podolski's beginnings at FC Cologne were not without stumbles. According to former manager Andreas Rettig, the first professional contract of the then-young player, affectionately known as "Poldi," bore coffee stains. The inconvenience was caused by an oversight from Podolski's representative, Norbert Pflippen, during the signing ceremony.
However, these minor hiccups did not deter Podolski's successful career in the city of cathedrals. He went on to play 181 games and score 86 goals for the beloved club, before moving on to teams such as FC Bayern, FC Arsenal, and Galatasaray Istanbul, among others.
Podolski views this match as a heartfelt farewell to a beloved city and its devoted fans, longtime teammates, and various other individuals who have supported him throughout his journey. The 130-time national player expressed his desire to express his gratitude to Cologne for their unwavering support between 2003 and 2006, and later between 2009 and 2012.
Besides notable 2014 World Cup champions, former colleagues from Podolski's time at 1. FC Cologne, current FC players, and teammates from his Polish home team Gornik Zabrze will participate in the match. Löw and Flick, who led Podolski to victory in the 2014 World Cup, will coach both teams.
Podolski wishes to approach his special day with a sense of tranquility, savoring the emotional buildup as the match draws closer. "The closer it gets, the more beautiful it will be," said Podolski at the 2022 Baller League season finale, a small-field league co-founded by himself and Mats Hummels.
He acknowledges the support of managers Joachim Löw and Hansi Flick, who led him to victories in his football career, including the 2014 World Cup. The large crowd of fans and prominent German football figures, including Manuel Neuer and Mats Hummels, celebrate his diverse talents and achievements throughout his career.
