by Lewis Ambrose

Former Germany captain Lothar Matthäus has had a dig at the career of Lukas Podolski as the current Arsenal player gets closer and closer to taking the caps record set by Matthäus.

Now working as a pundit for Sky Sport, Matthäus was captain of the Germany side that won the World Cup in 1990. No player has ever won more than the 150 caps of the midfield legend, but Podolski has moved on to 125 caps and is still only 30 years old.

As well as Bayern Munich both Matthäus and Podolski have spent time at Internazionale, though it is the career of the ex-player that will be remembered more fondly by both sets of fans.

Podolski’s recent loan spell at Inter has been demeaned by Matthäus who also admitted that the forward could break his record during an interview with kicker.

Asked whether or not anyone could break his record Matthäus answered:

“If Podolski continues get this much rest, maybe him,” Matthäus replied.

“Maybe (with this much rest) he can go on until he’s 40.

“I always played for 90 minutes, Podolski is always only playing nine minutes at Inter.

“As a result he has less wear and tear, so maybe he can do it.”

The comments seem pretty damning, but it is hard to argue.

Future

After an unimpressive year following triumph at the World Cup it is a mystery that Podolski is still being called up by Germany manger Joachim Löw.

He is clearly a favourite of the coach, or he is blackmailing him.

Experienced or not it would be a surprise to see Podolski stay with the national team much longer.

His domestic future is up in the air this summer as Arsenal look around for potential suitors. One thing is for sure, Lukas Podolski won’t be making 150 appearances for Arsenal.