Lucas Podolski has retired from football age 40 and become the owner of Polish club Gornik Zabrze.
He just led Gornik Zabrze to the Polish Cup – their first trophy in 38 years – last weekend and they finished runner’s up in the Polish league.
The ex Arsenal, Bayern Munich and Germany great has followed his last game by acquiring the 86 per cent majority share-hold of the club.
He said on LinkedIn: “That’s it. My last game.
“I can only thank all of you from the bottom of my heart. I’m lost for words today… This goodbye is incredibly hard for me, because I loved this game and the time with you fans with all my heart.
“For me, football was never just a job, it was always pure love, passion, and hard work on the streets and in the stadium.
“A huge thank you to my family, my friends, my teammates, and the whole staff in the offices behind the scenes.. Thank you for this amazing surprise and this unforgettable day.
“And above all, thank you to you … the fans. You are unbelievable! To be able to close the circle right here means everything to me. It was an honour. Yours, Poldi. 10”
Podolski was born in Poland but moved to Germany, with whom he won the 2014 World Cup, when he was two years old.
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