Podolski Delays Future Talk

Germany striker Lukas Podolski is putting transfer talk on hold until the conclusion of Euro 2008. The Bayern Munich striker reported looking to leave Bayern Munich after admitting his fear that the club do not rate him.

Podolski is currently enjoying a fine European Championships with Germany, having netted three goals along the country's route to the semi-finals.

But at the Allianz Arena the 23-year-old has admitted he is frustrated at playing a bit-part role. Podolski has struggled to force his way into the starting XI at the Allianz Arena and has had to settle for often being back-up to Miroslav Klose and Luca Toni.

Bayern have also been linked with a summer move for his international team-mate Mario Gomez, leaving Podolski to conclude that he is surplus to requirements.

A number of European clubs, including Stuttgart, Arsenal, Manchester City and Tottenham, are reportedly monitoring the forward's situation.

However, Podolski is focused on helping Germany progress to the Euro 2008 final with a success over Turkey on Wednesday.

"Nothing else, which is written, screened or spoken about on the subject, is of any interest to me," said Podolski


Focus

"I didn't set myself any targets here, I didn't think I would have clocked up three goals, but I am at the top of my game here and bursting with energy.

"My focus is purely on Euro 2008 and trying to win it."

Podolski went on to explain that he has not spoken with new Bayern manager Jurgen Klinsmann, who worked with the striker during his time in charge of Germany, since the tournament got under way.

He said, "I did talk to him (Klinsmann) but that was a long time before Euro 2008, since then I have had no contact with either him or Bayern Munich."

Podolski is eager to be a first-team regular and, having scored three goals so far at Euro 2008, has thanked Germany manager Joachim Low for giving him a chance to shine.

He told Bild, "Everything is possible. I have a contract with Bayern but everyone knows Cologne is a club apart in my eyes. Playing is more important than titles."

Lukas Podolski born as Lukasz Podolski on June 4, 1985 in Gliwice, Upper Silesia, Poland. Poldi is his nickname.

In 1987, when Lukas Podolski was only two years old, his family emigrated from Poland to West Germany as ethnic Germans ( Aussiedler). Podolski grew up in Bergheim, North Rhine-Westphalia, and later in Pulheim, both near Cologne.

Source: sportinglife.com