Zero goals, zero assists – these are Lukas Podolski's statistics from the beginning of this season of the Ekstraklasa. Although the 130-year-old German representative started six matches in the starting line-up of Górnik Zabrze, he has not, at least for now, shone with form.
For Podolski, whose contract with Górnik expires at the end of this season, these are probably his last months as a professional footballer. The player, who will turn 40 in June next year, is slowly preparing to end his career.
It will probably happen in Zabrze, although Podolski will soon play a special friendly match in which he will say goodbye to FC Köln fans. The 39-year-old is a product of this club and it was from there that he set off into the big world of football in 2006, signing a contract with Bayern Munich.
In an interview with the portal goal.pl Podolski commented on his current form and plans for the coming months. – My form is definitely not the best. I am aware that with each week, each month it will be harder and harder. Regeneration is not what it used to be. Generally, let's not kid ourselves: it will never be as good as it was 5 or 10 years ago. It will hurt here, it will hurt there, a muscle or a back. But I am still happy that I am playing and healthy until I am forty – said Podolski.
Podolski: This is probably my last season
– I was, am and will be ambitious. As I said, you can't fool your body, it sometimes gives you signals that it might be time to slowly switch to a different lifestyle. This is probably my last season. I've always said that I didn't come to Górnik to achieve individual goals – he added.
– I fulfilled my dream playing in this club. I treat everything else as an extra. It's not Podolski who is important here. What is important is Górnik, its people and fans. Especially since more and more fans are coming to our matches. This also shows the potential of this club – he continued.
Podolski also referred to the aforementioned match in Cologne, in which Podolski's friends will play against Górnik. – It will be a beautiful moment for me. I will come to Cologne with my Górnik to say goodbye to FC Koeln, a club that is also special to me. I wanted to say goodbye to Cologne while still in shape. And not with 20 kg of fat on my belly. That is why I think it is a good moment. Now, not in a few years – concluded Podolski.
Podolski joined Górnik in the summer of 2021. Since then, he has played 94 matches for the club, scored 20 goals and had 19 assists.