Podolski in talks with Cologne about potential job at the club

Germany's 2014 World Cup champion Lukas Podolski said that he's in talks with his former team Cologne over a possible job at the club.

"We're having good and constructive talks over how I can contribute to Cologne after the end of my professional career," he told the club's website on Wednesday.

"In the coming weeks and months, I will be in intensive discussions with Cologne managers to see exactly what my support could look like," he added.

On Thursday, the second division team is hosting a "thank you" game to honour the player, between Cologne legends and Podolski's friends. His side includes 2014 World Cup winning coach Joachim Löw, Barcelona boss Hansi Flick and Bayern Munich goalkeeper Manuel Neuer, among others.

"I'm looking forward to a great evening with old team-mates, friends, acquaintances and 50,000 fans, whom I would like to thank for their support throughout my career," Podolski said.

Podolski joined Cologne's youth academy in 1995 and played for the professional team from 2003 to 2006, and then again between 2009 and 2012.

He's currently under contract at his Polish home town team Gornik Zabrze June 2025