Under the commendation from Löw, Podolski bids an emotional farewell to Cologne
The evening wasn't as relaxed as anticipated: Before Lukas Podolski could conclude his Cologne farewell event, chaos erupted in the city center - a supporter was stabbed. During the event at the stadium, feelings ran high.
With ten World Cup victors on the field, an emotional Joachim Löw on the sidelines, and 50,000 enthusiastic "Poldis" in Müngersdorf, it was a vibrant and emotional red and white night for Lukas Podolski's heartfelt goodbye in his hometown, despite the disruptive events in the city center that left nine injured police officers and a wounded Polish fan before the game began, casting a somber tone over the lively and joyous spectacle in the cathedral city.
"It was a tremendous honor to represent this club, which has always been my dream. I lived that dream. No one can take that away from me now," Podolski stated emotionally after his lap of honor: "The game has ended on the field, but we'll meet again off the field. Once a Cologne, always a Cologne."
In a sold-out stadium, the cream of German football paid their respects, with Manuel Neuer defending the goal for the first 20 minutes, Löw and his former assistant Hansi Flick coaching the team alongside Andreas Köpke, and former goalkeeper coach Koepke. Even team manager Oliver Bierhoff did not miss the event.
One of Germany's "best and most beloved" strikers
The evening's star had already been honored with a colorful display before the game by the FC officials, with the South Curve celebrating their hero with chants and the banner: "Poldi: A piece of the club, a child of the curve, and a part of the city!" The 39-year-old fought back tears before kick-off.
Podolski started his FC journey in the youth team, signing his first professional contract in November 2003 and making his Bundesliga debut. "Prince Poldi" made 181 appearances and scored 86 goals for his beloved team. "I would like to express my gratitude to Cologne for supporting me throughout these years," Podolski had said, having played for Cologne from 2003 to 2006 and from 2009 to 2012.
For his special evening, the 130-time national team player invited everyone: 50,000 fans, several 2014 World Cup winners around Neuer, Per Mertesacker, and Christoph Kramer, former and current FC players, as well as his team from the Polish club Górnik Zabrze, where he is currently winding down his career.
Before the match, Löw paid tribute to his former protege as one of the "best and most beloved" strikers in Germany on ProSeven. Podolski scored for "Poldis 11" in the first half and then changed into the FC jersey, converting a penalty. At 10:10 PM ("Ten-O'clock-Ten"), Podolski went on a lap of honor as a "Cologne native" and was substituted to thunderous applause. With tears in his eyes, he saluted the South Curve before celebrating with a flare in hand.
The outcome was not crucial that evening, with emotions taking center stage. Many Polish fans also contributed to the atmosphere in the visitor's section, following an altercation between Polish fans and the police and a stabbing incident in the city center prior to the game. For Podolski, it may not have been his final farewell to the FC - the club announced on Wednesday that they were in talks with Podolski about a supporting role in his post-playing career.
The chaos in the city center resulted in nine injured police officers, requiring the presence of additional police forces. Despite the tensions, Podolski expressed his gratitude to the city and the club, affirming, "I'll always be a Cologne."
Amidst the emotional farewell, the Polish fan section became an integral part of the festive atmosphere, maintaining a lively presence throughout the event.
