Podolski promises Bayern a leaving present

Lukas Podolski told uefa.com "the best way to say goodbye to Bayern and their fans would be to help win the German title, the German Cup and even the Champions League" as he reflected on his summer return to 1. FC Köln.

Tough spell
The German international has concluded a deal in which he will rejoin Köln in the summer after failing to find his feet at FC Bayern München since his signing in 2006. The Polish-born 'Poldi', 23, thus has just six more months to run on his contract with the Bundesliga champions, but told uefa.com that he was determined to leave the club with something to remember him by. "I always set high goals for myself," explained Podolski, who has scored 12 goals for Bayern in 58 top-flight appearances – most of which were as a substitute. "There was no sense in me staying beyond the summer because I didn't really get a chance to play at Bayern. One match or a half is not enough for a player to get into his best form and maintain it."

'Coming home'
However, despite that frustration, he will leave Munich with fond memories. "I won a German title and every German player dreams about that," he said. "Bayern gave me the chance to do that and I will not forget it although, I repeat, I am not a player who will accept a place on the bench. Never. I waited, hoping something would change, but it didn't. That is why I took this decision. Now, I feel relieved. The whole of European football has been speculating about my future and I was tired of it. So, I am really glad it is over. Now, I am focusing on high goals with Bayern and then, in the summer, I am coming home."

Fan campaign
Podolski joined Köln a boy in 1995, and started his professional career there, with 46 goals in 81 league games between 2003 and 2006. He received offers from several other clubs in recent months, but was determined to rejoin the 'Billy Goats'. His return to Cologne is the end of a long process of negotiations between the two clubs, and also the conclusion of a long fan campaign. "They tried to collect money for my transfer, they organised parties and even recorded a song encouraging my return," said Podolski. "I also had very good talks with Köln officials. They didn't just say: 'Poldi, we spent all our money on you so we will not sign anyone else.' It was the opposite. They promised me they will buy other important players as the club does not want to be involved in relegation battles. In two or three years we will be ready to fight for bigger goals."