Amidst a challenging season for 1. FC Köln, former Arsenal and current Gornik Zabrze striker Lukas Podolski has opened up about the possibility of returning to his old club.

Former Arsenal striker Lukas Podolski, known and loved for his stint at the club from 2012 to 2015, has recently commented on the possibility of a return to his old club, 1. FC Köln which would leave their supporters happy than a player with a welcome bonus.

During his time with Arsenal, Podolski made a significant mark, scoring 31 goals and providing 17 assists in 82 appearances.

His comments come at a time when 1. FC Köln are grappling with a goal-scoring crisis, having netted the fewest goals in the Bundesliga this season.

Podolski, who currently plays for Gornik Zabrze, has hinted at a possible comeback to Köln in a recent podcast, “Spielmacher – Der EM Talk von Sebastian Hellmann und 360Media”.

The 38-year-old expressed an openness to new challenges, stating, “I’m ready for anything and open to all adventures.”

However, in a subsequent interview with the Express, Podolski clarified his earlier remarks, indicating they were made in jest. “I’m not in a situation where I have to offer myself,” he said, acknowledging his age and the context of his comments, considering Köln’s current position in the Bundesliga.

Despite this, Podolski has not ruled out a return to 1. FC Köln. He remains open to discussions, emphasising his special bond with the club. “When you are asked specifically, you naturally think about it,” he remarked, though he admits he doesn’t need to proactively seek opportunities at this stage of his career.

Podolski is currently recovering from a tendon injury in his ankle and anticipates a return to fitness after the international break in mid-November. His insights into Köln’s sporting predicament reflect a concern, yet he remains hopeful, especially after their recent derby win.

In the same podcast, Podolski also expressed admiration for Steffen Baumgart’s coaching style at Köln, aligning with his preference for offensive football. This praise fuels speculation about a potential collaboration between the two.

Meanwhile, Coach Baumgart has not dismissed the idea of Podolski’s return but maintains a focus on the present challenges facing the team. He stated to Sky TV, “At this stage, we don’t think at all about who comes and who doesn’t.”

Podolski’s contract with Gornik Zabrze runs until 2025, but his inclination towards a return to Köln, where he previously played from 2006 to 2009 and 2012 to 2014, remains a topic of constant speculation.

However, Köln’s management has been notably cautious in responding to these possibilities.

Lukas Podolski’s career

Lukas Podolski’s career, spanning from 1995 to the present day has taken him around the world:

1. Early Years (1995-2000): Podolski began his football journey at FC Jugend 07 before moving to the youth teams of 1.FC Köln. Progressing through the ranks, he played for their U17 and U19 squads.
2. Professional Debut with 1.FC Köln (2003/04): Making his professional debut, Podolski quickly established himself at 1.FC Köln.
3. Move to Bayern Munich (2006/07): Podolski’s burgeoning talent caught the attention of Bayern Munich, leading to a €10.00m transfer. However, his stint at Bayern was mixed, leading to a return to 1.FC Köln in 2009 for a similar fee.
4. Return to 1.FC Köln (2009/10): Back at Köln, Podolski regained his form, showcasing his scoring prowess and technical skills.
5. Arsenal Era (2012/13): Arsenal acquired Podolski for €15.00m, marking the start of a significant phase in his career. His time at Arsenal was highlighted by key goals and assists, becoming a fan favourite.
6. Short Loan to Inter Milan (2014/15): Podolski had a brief loan spell at Inter Milan, with Arsenal receiving a €600k loan fee.
7. Transfer to Galatasaray (2015/16): Post-Arsenal, Podolski joined Galatasaray for €2.50m, where he continued to demonstrate his attacking capabilities.
8. Moving to Asia – Vissel Kobe and Antalyaspor (2017/18 to 2019/20): His journey took him to Vissel Kobe (€2.60m transfer) and then to Antalyaspor (€1.00m transfer). These stints marked his foray into Asian football leagues.
9. Final Professional Chapters (2021/22): Podolski signed with Antalyaspor in 2021 and moved to Górnik Zabrze for a free transfer 18 months later, indicating a winding down of his professional playing career.

Throughout his career, Podolski has been known for his powerful shooting, versatility, and remarkable goal-scoring ability, making him one of the notable forwards of his generation.