Podolski hints at Cologne exit

Lukas Podolski has cast doubt over his future at Cologne by hinting that money could lure him away from his first professional club.

Despite a three-year stint with Bayern Munich, the 26-year-old striker has a reputation for being loyal to Cologne, the club where he began his career.

Podolski said he was not sure what the future held, with the Poland-born attacker all too aware that footballers have a short shelf life.

“I can jump to no conclusions about my future,” he told Express.

“I have always stressed that my future is open and said that I will have to wait and see about the state of the club’s sporting situation.”

“I am pleased that things are going so well for me, but I also know that football is a daily business.”

Podolski has been a key figure for Cologne this season, scoring or assisting 11 of his team’s 18 goals and he has been repeatedly praised by coach Stale Solbakken.

“Lukas is perhaps the Bundesliga’s best player,” Solbakken told Bild. “Barcelona are not Barcelona without Messi. Cologne are not Cologne without Poldi.”

Cologne have earned 16 points from their first 11 games, and despite their position of 11th in the Bundesliga table they are only two points away from a Europa League spot.