Podolski to return to Germany? By Rune Gjerulff

Lukas Podolski says he could imagine a return to FC Köln if his former club win promotion to the Bundesliga.

Lukas Podolski. Photo: © Raimond Spekking / CC BY-SA 4.0 (via Wikimedia Commons)

Former German international Lukas Podolski says he is thinking about re-joining his childhood club FC Köln.





However, the club must win promotion to the Bundesliga first, says the 33-year-old who currently plays for Vissel Kobe in Japan.



"It's nothing new that I have the desire to wear the 'FC' jersey again. The club bosses are aware of my standpoint. But the club must get promoted first," Podolski told Sport Bild.



Podolski, whose contract with Vissel Kobe runs out at the end of 2019, says he could be on the move next summer if he's approached by an interesting club.



"I don't need to offer myself anywhere. Currently, I'm not in contact with anyone about a transfer. I'm under contract at Kobe until the end of 2019, and I'm currently still playing a season there. However, if an awesome club from the Bundesliga or another country want me in the summer, we'll have to see," Podolski said.



The 33-year-old came through the youth ranks at FC Köln and made his debut for the club in 2003. He stayed there until 2006 when he was signed by Bayern München, but returned in 2009. After spending three more seasons in Köln, he left to join Arsenal in 2012.



In total, Podolski has made 181 appearances for FC Köln with 86 goals and 42 assists to his name.



He played his final game for the German national team in March 2017 and scored 49 goals in 130 games for 'Die Mannschaft'.





