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."