Rummenigge: Hands Off Podolski!
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Bayern Munich chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge has issued a "hands off" warning to all suitors of Lukas Podolski.
The German international is reportedly unhappy with life at the Bavarian club, having dropped down the pecking order under Luca Toni and compatriot Luca Toni.
Podolski's performances at Euro 2008 raised eye-brows and he is believed to be followed by the likes of Juventus or FC Köln.
But the Bayern Munich chairman has insisted they won't do business for Podolski, who scored three goals during the tournament in Austria and Switzerland.
"He is not for sale at all. Podolski is not leaving. And I use this press conference to transmit that to my Köln colleague. This position is definitive," Rummenigge declared.
Podolski, who joined the club in 2006, stated last week that he believes the club to have "no confidence in him." -
Podolski: I Want Cologne Return
Podolski made his name at Cologne as a prodigious teenager, eventually earning himself a move to giants Bayern Munich in 2006.
Things have not really worked out for the 23-year-old at the Allianz Arena, and he spent most of last season playing second fiddle to Luca Tonia and Miroslav Klose.
However, an excellent Euro 2008 has reminded the whole continent of his talent, and Juventus are among the clubs who have been heavily linked with making a move for him. Podolski, though, has his heart set on a move back to Cologne.
"I of course know about enquiries from abroad, which are very attractive from a sporting point of view. But Cologne would be for me a matter of the heart,” the forward told Sportbild.
"I feel good there and have family there. The birth of my son also comes into the equation. I believe Bayern understand that."
Bayern chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge has admitted that the club have begun searching for Podolski’s replacement.
"His agent has advised us that he would like to leave the club and his preference is for Cologne,” explained the legendary former striker. "It is therefore surely logical that we look around for a replacement."