Vissel Kobe FC striker Lukas Podolski has revealed he would love to turn out for hometown club Cologne again before he finally calls time on his illustrious career.

Podolski made a bold decision last summer, leaving Turkish giants Galatasary for Japan to play for Vissel Kobe FC – a move in which many saw as the player bidding farewell to playing football at the highest level. Maybe he felt it was time to rake in the cash.

However, the World Cup winner has revealed he would love to return to Europe to play for his boyhood club, Cologne, before hanging up his boots.

Speaking in an interview, the former Arsenal and Bayern Munich striker said, “This club means the whole world to me – the club, the city and even the fans”.

“I really hope to return to FC Koln very soon, at least before deciding to end my football career”.

Following the interview, he posted a tweet emphasizing that he would not want to return in any other capacity but as a player for a club he holds dearly to his heart.  He joined FC Koln at a very tender age of ten and went on to establish himself in the club’s first team soon after.

He has made over 169 league appearances over two previous spells, scoring 79 goals.

The German posted on twitter, “I’m pretty sure BILD didn’t hear right. It will be a huge dream for me to put on the Cologne shirt once again”.

Podolski also praised the likes of Jonas Hector and goalkeeper Timo Horn – both of whom recently signed contract extensions – for their loyalty to Cologne, despite attracting interest from European elite clubs.

They tied their future to the German club despite the impending likelihood of the club relegating to the Bundesliga second division.