Lukas Podolski wants to play for Cologne again someday.

The 31-year-old is currently playing in Japan for Vissel Kobe, but has made no secret of his desire to return to Germany one day.

Cologne is the club that has a special place in Podolski’s heart. The German began his career there before making the move to Bayern Munich, and he’d like to wear the shit again before retiring.

“I have never denied that I want to play for FC [Koln] again. Why should I talk around the bush? But I do not need to say anything,” he said, as reported by Tribal Football.

“Koln is my club and means a lot to me.

“It would make me proud to once again wear their jersey.”

Podolski scored a highly impressive 51 goals in 85 appearances during his first stint as a Cologne player.

Such form earned him a move to Bayern, where he struggled find consistency.

26 goals in 106 appearances later, he returned to Cologne, where his form picked up again.

He signed for Arsenal in 2012 and spent three years at the Emirates Stadium where, again, he struggled for consistent form.

He did, at least, impress fans with his explosive finishing and eccentric personality. 31 goals in 82 appearances wasn’t a bad return on Arsenal’s investment at all.

He was sold to Galatasaray in 2015, where he spent two years before making the move to Japan.

He has five goals in 15 appearances for Vissel Kobe, who currently sit eighth in the J1 League table.