Very interesting reports emerging from Germany this weekend. Cologne striker Lukas Podolski has threatened to quit the club at the end of the season after the club failed to honour their promises to him.
Last summer, the 26 year old was linked with a move away from the Bundesliga with Arsenal emerging as his most probable destination. It is still not clear why the move failed to materialise, however, it is believed that Cologne made one of their many promises to him in a bid to keep him from leaving.
With the club failing to honour it’s pledge, Podolski’s patience finally ran out this past weekend as he made the shocking revelation that he would not be playing in the Bundesliga next season.
A disappointed Podolski told Bild am Sonntag how Cologne made promises which they failed to honour.
“I was told that a team would be built around me so that we could establish ourselves first in the top eight and then in the top six, I had lots of promises made to me before my move here and I wanted to play my part in achieving these things together.
“[Former Cologne coach] Christoph Daum once said that lots of promises are made, but few are maintained here and I think my situation confirms that. When you see what perspectives were shown to me and what has actually happened in the end, it is disappointing.
“Each year we try to make progress, we take a new run-up, but then when you end up embroiled in a relegation battle again then it is disappointing. I had hoped for a lot more because there is far more potential here – the stadium and the fans are unique.”
You have to feel for Podolski. With an amazing record for Germany, having scored 43 goals in 95 appearances, the striker’s club career is in danger of ending on the wrong foot unless he does something quickly.
Podolski further revealed that had it not been for the not too attractive offers he has received, he would not be in Cologne now. So will Arsenal be his final destination when the transfer window opens at the end of this season?
Only if Wenger acts quickly and stops acting as if the transfer funds are coming straight out of his pocket! Truth be said, a Podolski Van Persie and Chamberlain forward line will be interesting to watch. However, the next few months will be important in determining whether Podolski eventually joins Arsenal.
Photo Credit © LizNN7
