Germany striker Lukas Podolski has announced his retirement from international football on Monday.
Former Arsenal forward Lukas Podolski announced his international retirement on Monday through social media platforms Twitter and Instagram. The German veteran is third on the list of most-capped players for Germany, having amassed 129 caps while also being third on the list of top goalscorers, with 48 goals to his name.
The 31-year-old has had quite an illustrious club career too, including seasons with Bayern Munich, Arsenal and Inter Milan and is currently plying his trade at Galatasaray in the Super Lig. Podolski took to twitter to announce his retirement from national duty where he also thanked the German fans for their unconditional love and support.
Thank you fans❤! 12 years, 129 matches. It was amazing! It was great! It was an honour to be part of ???⭐⭐⭐⭐ #poldi pic.twitter.com/sPy7L5AOaB
— Lukas-Podolski.com (@Podolski10) August 15, 2016
The player’s international teammates soon started wishing Podolski the best for his future while also reflecting on his successful international career.
We had a lot of fun together and many wins with the @DFB_Team! All the best, @podolski10! pic.twitter.com/nm6ZuVKdWB
— Toni Kroos (@ToniKroos) August 15, 2016
Take care, bro ?? It was a pleasure to be your teammate in the @DFB_Team! I wish you all the best for your future!⚽⚽ pic.twitter.com/YRbzDc8G0I
— Antonio Rüdiger (@ToniRuediger) August 15, 2016
.@Podolski10, only the best for you ?? We’ll miss you at @DFB_Team! We had so much fun & successful moments #goodbye pic.twitter.com/3i5eE3clqx
— Shkodran Mustafi (@MustafiOfficial) August 15, 2016
Do you remember, @Podolski10?? We fought, suffered, laughed & won together. ?? Thanks for everything ? #bro #AHA pic.twitter.com/Fkl3MoYWat
— Mesut Özil (@MesutOzil1088) August 15, 2016
While his international teammates congratulated him on his footballing journey on the international stage, tweets with the player’s stats and achievements to support the claim of his peers also went out.
Say what you want about his club career, but Lukas Podolski’s international career was exceptional #DankePoldi pic.twitter.com/lHSs6RdClU
— Onefootball (@Onefootball) August 15, 2016
Podolski began his Germany career at U17 level in 2001. He retires a @DFB_Team_EN legend ? pic.twitter.com/isfHSGSy0v
— UEFA EURO (@UEFAEURO) August 15, 2016
Fans also rallied behind the German showing their appreciation through their twitter accounts.
Thanks for Everything Podolski. https://t.co/RkVKnrQxPL
— Bipin Koirala (@BipinKoirala) August 15, 2016
Noooooo First Klose now Podolski who’s next schweinsteiger ??
— Mohammed Abid (@MdAbidHossain_2) August 15, 2016
retirement of podolski is so heart breaking. I don’t what I’m gonna do for the rest of my life:(
— Lissa Sabrina (@lissasabrina) August 15, 2016
Will always hv love for couple former Arsenal players, no matter where they go. Podolski is one
— BK 201 (@SwitchTalks) August 15, 2016
Podolski retires from international football ?
— j flawless (@fiveintheship) August 15, 2016
Lu Lu Lu Lukas Podolski ?? @Podolski10 https://t.co/8jl8iwi7Ya
— EdaAslan (@05asln) August 15, 2016
Lukas Podolski, still one of my favourite Germans! Sad to see him go. #ThankYouPoldi
— Simon Yeeles (@SYeeles) August 15, 2016
Lukas Podolski, still one of my favourite Germans! Sad to see him go. #ThankYouPoldi
— Simon Yeeles (@SYeeles) August 15, 2016
All the best @Podolski10. You’ll be missed, especially your rocket-powered left foot and sense of humor. #ThankYouPoldi
— Ahmad Ehsan (@ehsanrosli) July 5, 2015
Podolski’s retirement has left Germany with just one pure striker in Mario Gomez and it will now be interesting to see how the youngsters step up to fill the void left by the former Arsenal and Bayern Munich star.
