Podolski eyes retirement from football: "This is supposed to be my last season"

At the age of 40, former Germany international Lukas Podolski is planning to hang up his boots at the end of the season.

“Basically, yes, this is supposed to be my last season,” said Podolski, who plays for Polish side Górnik Zabrze, in an interview with Kölner Stadt-Anzeiger.

However, the veteran forward left a small backdoor open, with Górnik Zabrze surprisingly leading the Polish Ekstraklasa at the moment.

“If we manage a sporting coup, I may want to give it one last go,” he added.

Podolski joined Górnik Zabrze in 2021. Although he has played a limited role this season, making just eight appearances and one start, he enjoys being at the club.

“Even the work off the pitch brings me great joy. I’m 40 now, so my priorities have shifted. The club has allowed me to get involved in many areas. I can really make a difference here, also structurally – something is really being built. That’s why I can imagine continuing this for a longer time," said Podolski.

"I still love playing, and I enjoy helping the younger players in the squad with my experience. But I’m not 30 anymore, so things hurt here and there sometimes.”