Frustrated Lukas Podolski admits he could quit Koln

Lukas Podolski admits he could quit Koln

Nov 28, 2011 3:23:00 PM

The Germany international has grown weary of his hometown club's struggles on and off the field and would consider an offer from one of Europe's top teams

Germany international Lukas Podolski has hinted that he could leave Koln at the end of the season.

The 26-year-old forward has been heavily linked with a move to Lazio in recent weeks and Podolski has admitted that he is becoming increasingly frustrated at the club.

"I was told the plan was to get back into Europe here, but we have failed and of course I have to ask myself why," he told Die Welt.

"Whenever I am with the national team, I always notice people shaking their heads when yet another story emerges from Koln which has nothing to do with sport."

Podolski returned to his hometown club after a difficult spell with Bayern Munich, however, he insists that his love of the city will not dissuade him from leaving if an enticing offer from one of Europe’s top teams does materialise.

"My family and friends may live here and I know every corner of the city," he said. "But if I am in top condition, then I think I could fit into any side in Europe.

"I am not forced to stay in Koln."

Meanwhile, Podolski has expressed his relief after emerging unhurt from a car accident on Monday morning.

The 26-year-old was involved in a collision while driving to training in Cologne but even though his vehicle was heavily damaged, Podolski was unharmed.

Podolski was treated by a physio upon his belated arrival at Koln’s headquarters but he explained that his visit to the medical room was not a consequence of his crash.

"I'm fine, nothing happened," the player told Express. "I had a slight collision; [it] was nothing more, happily.

"I let myself be treated because of an injury from the [Borussia Monchengladbach] game that had nothing to do with the accident."

An MRI scan on his calf revealed that Podolski had not sustained any structural damage, meaning that he will return to training on Wednesday and should be fit to face Stuttgart on Saturday.

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