Lukas Podolski: Memories and Farewell to Cologne's World Cup hero!

Lukas Podolski: Memories and Farewell to Cologne's World Cup hero!

When Lukas Podolski's farewell game is coming up on October 10, 2024 in Müngersdorf, it will be an emotional review of the glamorous days of the world champion for many fans of 1. FC Köln. The anticipation for the event is shaped by numerous memories of the former star, both for the supporters and for former people responsible for the association.

One of these key figures is Marcel Koller. In 2003 he took over the coaching position at FC and made Podolski part of the professional squad in a crucial moment. Koller had previously observed the then 18-year-old Podolski, who drew attention to himself in the A-Youth Bundesliga with eight goals in the first eight games. Koller was so enthusiastic about his talent that he immediately sat down with the then manager Andreas Rettig.

Special memories and anecdotes

In this early days with the young striker there were many memorable moments. Podolski, who quickly shone with impressive performance, reached his first goal in the Bundesliga on December 13, 2003. Another highlight was his golden goal against Mönchengladbach, which not only secured victory, but also demonstrated its growing importance for the team.

The memories that have retted in this time are rich. A game in October 2004 was particularly impressive when Podolski scored two goals in the final minutes and thus saved the team from defeat. "We were 0-2 in the back and I thought it wouldn't go out well," recalls Rettig. "But then the storm jewel intervened and brought the team to the victory road."

Another amusing event from this time remains retting unforgettable. Reviews about Podolski's first professional contract were strange when the then player advisor Norbert Pflippen fought with an injury during a meeting. "He was not good and we gave him a tablet. But instead of throwing her into the water, he threw her into his coffee, which led to a small chaos," says Rettig with a smile. "So Poldi's first contract documents were provided with coffee stains and this scene always makes me smile."

Rettig also remembers the advice of Michael Ballack, the Podolski Advised. "He said as a national player I shouldn't play in the second division in the Bundesliga," said Rettig about the nightly correspondence with the Bayern star, who gave the Cologne team a lot of advice.

All of these stories are part of Lukas Podolski's legend and will surely be refreshed in the coming days when numerous former companions, including Manuel Neuer, by Mertesacker and Christoph Kramer, are expected to say goodbye in Cologne. A big comeback for a big player - the curiosity and anticipation are great! For more information and details about this nostalgic event, www.express.de .