Podolski Scores Stunner To End International Career In Style

The goal was his 49th in his 130th and final international appearance for Die Mannschaft.

After the game the Galatasaray forward, who joins Japan’s Vissel Kobe next season, described the end to his international career with Germany “like a film”.

The 31-year-old received a standing ovation in Dortmund after a pre-match presentation to mark his 13-year international career.

“The way it ended today was like a film,” Podolski said. “We win 1-0 and I score the thing.

“I know I have a left foot that was probably gifted to me by God, or someone up there, and I can always rely on it. I am proud of these last 13 years.

“From the atmosphere in the stadium you could see the connection I have with people from Cologne.

“There were at least 30,000 people from Cologne in the stadium. It gives you goose bumps.

“That’s when you know where your home is, and that you’ve done a lot of good, also off the pitch. That makes me very proud.”

Only Lothar Matthaus and German all-time top scorer Miroslav Klose have made more appearances for Germany than Podolski.

“Special players deserve a special farewell. It’s great for him,” Germany coach Joachim Low said.

Many fans dusted off their Podolski jerseys for the game, there was a giant banner in front of the Westfalenstadion’s south stand declaring, “130 games, 48 goals, a legend. Thanks Lukas.”

Both teams will be in action again this Sunday, England host Lithuania and Germany are away to Azerbaijan in the Russia 2018 World Cup qualifiers.