There is no doubt that Lukas Podolski is a joker, and you can guarantee he is involved whenever something funny happens. The Cologne native does much to lift spirits within the teams he plays for, but it is clear that his biggest contribution is his ability as a footballer. He spreads cheer for good measure, not as a substitute for strong performances.
For the joker in a football team, there is a fine line between being a jester and becoming a mascot, but Podolski is not at any such risk. "I’m not just the joker in the squad because I’m very experienced; I’ve helped the team on many occasions and I’ll continue to do so in the future," he said in an interview with weekly German sport magazine Sport Bild. This is equally true of his position with Arsenal as with Germany’s national team.
"Arsenal have what it takes to win the title"
Podolski’s future contributions start tonight (live on Sky from 20:45 CET) when the Gunners take on Manchester United, with Arsene Wenger’s team looking to return to the top of the Premier League table. Chelsea, on 57 points, drew 1-1 with West Bromwich Albion last night, which means 55-point Arsenal could overhaul Jose Mourinho’s side with a win this evening. It seems an ideal opportunity for the north London club to regain momentum after their 5-1 defeat by Liverpool. "This could be a great year for us," said Podolski. "Arsenal have what it takes to win the title."
Given his cheery demeanour, it is no surprise to hear that the 28-year-old is confident and in high spirits. "I’m in the prime of my career," said Podolski, capped 111 times for Germany, "and I’m back at full fitness again after my injury. That gives me motivation and energy for the months ahead."
A career-defining six months
What is more, Podolski believes that the next six months may well determine how his career is remembered in years to come. Not that he pays too much heed to what others think of him, having learned to separate himself from the opinions of those outside his inner circle. Naturally, the views of his coaches and team-mates are important to him, but above all he is determined to measure up to his own expectations.
As he approaches 30, Podolski’s interim appraisal of life is a positive one: "Who could have dreamed that this young boy from Poland would come to Bergheim, then become a professional and international footballer who has been taken part in five major tournaments?" It certainly makes for a good story. ‘Poldi’ adds: "I say to myself, ‘Look, I played the 2006 World Cup on home soil and took part in a European Championship in Poland, where I was born’."
"I haven’t just matured as a person"
Podolski already has a wide range of experience. He is currently working hard at Arsenal to dispel prejudices first voiced during his time at Bayern that the "Boy from Cologne" could only unlock his full potential in the city beside the Rhine. In London, he has proved that this is far from the truth, having been a constant presence in the Gunners’ team before sustaining an injury in September 2013, and he is now well on the way to re-establishing himself in this role.
Podolski feels at home in the English capital, enjoys cult status among fans and has garnered respect from his team-mates. So far, so standard. But then he says something significant: "I’m not homesick at all. I’m enjoying every day here, both in the club and in London."
The forward goes on to say, "I haven’t just matured as a person, but I’ve improved as a footballer too." Perhaps those two elements are mutually dependent; perhaps there is a connection between the new skills Podolski has learned as a footballer and the new priorities in his life.
Podolski committed and vocal when it comes to life’s big issues
Podolski has been involved in helping others for many years now, showing exemplary, extensive and personal commitment to the needs of disadvantaged people through his foundation. Nevertheless, it seems as though he has only recently fully realised the extent to which his prominence can be used to help others.
Whether contributing with words or action, Podolski was adamant about acting as an ambassador for the "Stay on the ball – Exercise reduced your risk of cancer" campaign run by the German Cancer Society and German Cancer Aid. When Thomas Hitzlsperger announced his homosexuality, Podolski was one of the first to pay his respects to his friend via Facebook.
The striker had already written about the comeback of gay US footballer Robbie Rogers: "Football fans applauded Robbie Rogers on his comeback in Los Angeles. If I had been there, I’d have done the same, because sport should unite us rather than divide us. No matter who or what you are, we’re all people."
The list of issues Podolski has commented on in his measured, direct manner goes on. On 27 January, the anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz, the German international paid tribute to those who died, writing: "Today, we should remember."
The Arsenal forward acknowledges his role in society where many do not. Another striking feature of this altruism is his personal commitment to these issues. He does not get a member of his management team to post messages; instead, the impetus comes directly from him and his contributions bear his signature. It is becoming increasingly clear that this is a player with his eye on more than just the ball.
"Germany can be world champions"
Nevertheless, Podolski primarily remains a footballer, not only for Arsenal but for Germany, too. He has high hopes for his national team in 2014 and is familiar with the strengths of the many young players in its ranks. The 28-year-old knows that he is no longer a teenager, but sees this as an advantage.
"I have 111 international caps; nobody can take that away from me," he said. "I’m confident in my abilities, and can make a major contribution to the team. The national team coach knows that, and he knows he can count on me any time."
Like his team-mates and fans across Germany, Podolski has just one target in mind this year: "Germany can be world champions."
created by sl
[bild1]
There is no doubt that Lukas Podolski is a joker, and you can guarantee he is involved whenever something funny happens. The Cologne native does much to lift spirits within the teams he plays for, but it is clear that his biggest contribution is his ability as a footballer. He spreads cheer for good measure, not as a substitute for strong performances.
For the joker in a football team, there is a fine line between being a jester and becoming a mascot, but Podolski is not at any such risk. "I’m not just the joker in the squad because I’m very experienced; I’ve helped the team on many occasions and I’ll continue to do so in the future," he said in an interview with weekly German sport magazine Sport Bild. This is equally true of his position with Arsenal as with Germany’s national team.
"Arsenal have what it takes to win the title"
Podolski’s future contributions start tonight (live on Sky from 20:45 CET) when the Gunners take on Manchester United, with Arsene Wenger’s team looking to return to the top of the Premier League table. Chelsea, on 57 points, drew 1-1 with West Bromwich Albion last night, which means 55-point Arsenal could overhaul Jose Mourinho’s side with a win this evening. It seems an ideal opportunity for the north London club to regain momentum after their 5-1 defeat by Liverpool. "This could be a great year for us," said Podolski. "Arsenal have what it takes to win the title."
Given his cheery demeanour, it is no surprise to hear that the 28-year-old is confident and in high spirits. "I’m in the prime of my career," said Podolski, capped 111 times for Germany, "and I’m back at full fitness again after my injury. That gives me motivation and energy for the months ahead."
A career-defining six months
What is more, Podolski believes that the next six months may well determine how his career is remembered in years to come. Not that he pays too much heed to what others think of him, having learned to separate himself from the opinions of those outside his inner circle. Naturally, the views of his coaches and team-mates are important to him, but above all he is determined to measure up to his own expectations.
As he approaches 30, Podolski’s interim appraisal of life is a positive one: "Who could have dreamed that this young boy from Poland would come to Bergheim, then become a professional and international footballer who has been taken part in five major tournaments?" It certainly makes for a good story. ‘Poldi’ adds: "I say to myself, ‘Look, I played the 2006 World Cup on home soil and took part in a European Championship in Poland, where I was born’."
"I haven’t just matured as a person"
Podolski already has a wide range of experience. He is currently working hard at Arsenal to dispel prejudices first voiced during his time at Bayern that the "Boy from Cologne" could only unlock his full potential in the city beside the Rhine. In London, he has proved that this is far from the truth, having been a constant presence in the Gunners’ team before sustaining an injury in September 2013, and he is now well on the way to re-establishing himself in this role.
Podolski feels at home in the English capital, enjoys cult status among fans and has garnered respect from his team-mates. So far, so standard. But then he says something significant: "I’m not homesick at all. I’m enjoying every day here, both in the club and in London."
The forward goes on to say, "I haven’t just matured as a person, but I’ve improved as a footballer too." Perhaps those two elements are mutually dependent; perhaps there is a connection between the new skills Podolski has learned as a footballer and the new priorities in his life.
Podolski committed and vocal when it comes to life’s big issues
Podolski has been involved in helping others for many years now, showing exemplary, extensive and personal commitment to the needs of disadvantaged people through his foundation. Nevertheless, it seems as though he has only recently fully realised the extent to which his prominence can be used to help others.
Whether contributing with words or action, Podolski was adamant about acting as an ambassador for the "Stay on the ball – Exercise reduced your risk of cancer" campaign run by the German Cancer Society and German Cancer Aid. When Thomas Hitzlsperger announced his homosexuality, Podolski was one of the first to pay his respects to his friend via Facebook.
The striker had already written about the comeback of gay US footballer Robbie Rogers: "Football fans applauded Robbie Rogers on his comeback in Los Angeles. If I had been there, I’d have done the same, because sport should unite us rather than divide us. No matter who or what you are, we’re all people."
The list of issues Podolski has commented on in his measured, direct manner goes on. On 27 January, the anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz, the German international paid tribute to those who died, writing: "Today, we should remember."
The Arsenal forward acknowledges his role in society where many do not. Another striking feature of this altruism is his personal commitment to these issues. He does not get a member of his management team to post messages; instead, the impetus comes directly from him and his contributions bear his signature. It is becoming increasingly clear that this is a player with his eye on more than just the ball.
[bild2]
"Germany can be world champions"
Nevertheless, Podolski primarily remains a footballer, not only for Arsenal but for Germany, too. He has high hopes for his national team in 2014 and is familiar with the strengths of the many young players in its ranks. The 28-year-old knows that he is no longer a teenager, but sees this as an advantage.
"I have 111 international caps; nobody can take that away from me," he said. "I’m confident in my abilities, and can make a major contribution to the team. The national team coach knows that, and he knows he can count on me any time."
Like his team-mates and fans across Germany, Podolski has just one target in mind this year: "Germany can be world champions."
