The chapter between Lukas Podolski and 1. FC Köln is now closed for the time being with the farewell game. He looks forward to a colorful evening full of emotions.
Ten Rio world champions on the pitch, a committed Joachim Löw on the sidelines and 50,000 happy “Poldis” in Müngersdorf: On an atmospheric evening in “rut und wiess”, a goal-hungry Lukas Podolski enjoyed a fitting and tearful farewell in his living room in Cologne.
“It was a great honor for me to play for this club, that was always my dream. I lived this dream. Nobody can take that away from me anymore,” said Podolski after his lap of honor: “Now it’s over here on the pitch, but man Definitely sees himself next to the pitch. Once a Cologner, always a Cologner.”
10:40 p.m. – An evening full of beautiful moments, magical goals and lots of emotions is coming to an end. After 65 minutes, “Poldis 11” has a 5-3 win against 1. FC Köln – even if the result is secondary.
10:32 p.m. – A compilation of several videos is now playing. It stars Mats Hummels, Max Kruse, Iniesta and “Knossi”.
10:30 p.m. – Now it gets even more emotional: “I just said it on the curve. Me and my whole family, how we were welcomed in this city,” Podolski begins to say. Then he thanks: “Thanks to all the fans, players I played with, coaches,” then he takes a breath.
“Of course there were not nice moments, but they are part of it. So again: Thank you very much,” now all the dams are breaking, Podolski is crying and leaning on his knees. He always wore the Cologne jersey with pride and now? “Now it’s over. Once a Cologner, always a Cologner.”
10:25 p.m. – He returned to the field. With the Cologne scarf around his neck, he runs down the stands again. When asked about his first interview at the microphone, he said: “I always wanted to remain the Cologne street boy. The values were always important to me.” He then thanks the fans and the club 1. FC Köln.
10:16 p.m. – Podolski is now in the stands, has the megaphone and pyrotechnics in his hand and is speaking to the fans. His words cannot be heard, but the audience repeatedly bursts into applause.
65th minute: The game is interrupted promptly at 10:10 p.m. Podolski is substituted. The lights are getting darker, cell phones are outside. The players stand in line as Podolski bids the spectators a tearful farewell. Brings sings the song “Kölsche Jungs”. A real goosebumps moment.
63. Minute: Podolski’s son Louis has also changed his jersey and now plays for Cologne.
59. Minute: And that would have almost been 4:5. Podolski gets the ball and tries to beat Zieler, but the attempt goes just past the right post. Will the team still achieve the planned balance?
55th minute: Goal for 1. FC Köln! And the “Poldi” show continues. Again he comes down the left side and plays a magical joke. The former professional takes the ball directly and shoots into the right corner.
