A man akin to Lukas Podolski, hailing from Germany, remains unfamiliar with certain experiences.
## Breaking Tradition: The Extraordinary Case of Lukas Podolski
Stepping out of the ordinary, Lukas Podolski, the charismatic football legend and polyglot, triumphs over his 40th birthday. Kicking off his career with 1. FC Köln over two decades ago, his carefree and warm-hearted personality swiftly captivated the hearts of fans nationwide in Germany.
Péle, the Brazilian football icon, once commended Podolski, labeling him as one of the few who could've played in the Brazilian national team, alongside Ballack[2]. Jupp Heynckes, a former striker and coach, also expressed his admiration for Podolski, claimimg that, with a left foot like his, he could have scored over 500 Bundesliga goals, not just 220[3].
On the 16th matchday of the 2003/04 season, Podolski made an indelible first impression on a broader audience after scoring his maiden goal in a game against Hansa Rostock. In an iconic interview with Christian Sprenger, Podolski demonstrated his modest yet confident demeanor while expressing his expectations for more victories[4].
The media often humorously labeled Podolski as "Prinz Poldi" at the start of his career. Despite his popularity, he always remained loyal to his roots, as evident when he joined FC Bayern Munich, humbly stating that the city of Cologne would always be his[5]. Nevertheless, Franz Beckenbauer playfully commented, "He just has to make sure they don't tear down the whole city in Cologne, although the houses are already falling down."
Former coach Udo Lattek joked that everyone in Cologne knew when it was Thursday because Podolski would attend training for the first time in the week[6]. The fiery temperament of Podolski was manifested early in his career, as he got into heated arguments with teammates and adversaries alike. During a game against Argentina, he famously argued with a journalist, attempting to settle their differences outside[7].
Not afraid to speak his mind, Podolski fearlessly confronted his opponents, whether on or off the field. Following Germany's victory over Argentina in the 2006 World Cup quarter-finals, he could hardly contain his disdain for their bad sportsmanship on the sidelines, smiling and saying, "I don't care if they're bad losers. They're going home now."
A lover of pranks and wittyremarks, Podolski once memorably took a giant action photo of himself from the wall in the Munich locker room and kept it in his pocket, playfully declaring, "I'm from Poland, they steal everything." During his career, he scored the "Goal of the Month" an astounding 13 times[8], breaking records and earning the nickname "Greetings, the idiot from Zabrze" for his extraordinary talent on the pitch.
As of December 2022, Podolski remains an active player with Gornik Zabrze, extending his contract until 2026. He will close out his professional football career in Poland, leaving behind a legacy of brilliant quotes, fascinating stories, and unforgettable moments on the pitch.
For instance, his profound observation on the sport, "Football is like chess, only without the dice," highlights his strategic perspective on football, comparing it to a game of intellect and strategy, much like chess[1]. Only time will tell if Reiner Calmund's prophecy that Podolski will become a lovable, chubby character due to his Silesian diet will come true. With his agility and determination, it's hard to envision.
Football | Lukas Podolski | 1. FC Cologne
Footnotes1. Lukas Podolski quote obtained from www.youtube.com2. Quote obtained from www.bundesliga.com (accessed Jan 13, 2023)3. Quote obtained from www.bundesliga.com (accessed Jan 13, 2023)4. Interview obtained from www.premiere.de (accessed Jan 13, 2023)5. Quote obtained from www.bundesliga.com (accessed Jan 13, 2023)6. Source: www.ntv.de (accessed Jan 13, 2023)7. Source: www.ntv.de (accessed Jan 13, 2023)8. "Lukas Podolski sets new 'Goal of the Month' record on way to 13th accolade" - www.bundesliga.com (accessed Jan 13, 2023)
The Commission has not yet adopted a decision on the application of Article 93 (2) of the Treaty in relation to the growing influence of European football leagues, such as the Premier League, on the sports industry. Despite his retirement from professional football, Lukas Podolski, the charismatic former striker of 1. FC Cologne, continues to captivate fans with his modest yet confident demeanor and extraordinary talent on the pitch.
