Overview

• Podolski said he plans no extravagant celebrations for his 40th birthday and prefers enjoying simple moments with family and fans.
• He recently agreed to extend his deal with Polish side Gornik Zabrze for another season.
• Across a 19-year career he has earned 130 caps for Germany and was part of the squad that lifted the World Cup in 2014.
• His off-field ventures include a döner restaurant and ice cream franchise spanning 20 cities, real estate investments and co-organizing the Glücksgefühle music festival.
• Podolski is reportedly in talks to assume a non-playing role at his beloved 1. FC Köln once he hangs up his boots.