World Cup Winner Lukas Podolski Retires from Professional Football

In recent years, Podolski has been playing for Gornik Zabrze in Poland, where he was born. The city council recently approved his purchase of 86% of the club's shares for approximately €940,000.

Business Ventures Beyond Football

Podolski has committed to investing nearly €3 million into Gornik Zabrze over the next few years. 'Jetzt kaufe ich den Rest' ('Now I'm buying the rest'), he said about his plans for the club.

Beyond football, Podolski has built a diverse business portfolio. He owns several doner kebab shops and ice cream parlors in Germany's North Rhine-Westphalia region.

The retired striker also co-founded an indoor football league with former teammate Mats Hummels. Additionally, he owns a football hall and operates a fashion label.

Legacy in German Football

Former German national team coach Joachim Löw described Podolski as 'approachable and empathetic.' The striker was known for his entertaining personality and powerful left-footed shots.

Podolski's retirement marks the end of an era for German football. Along with Bastian Schweinsteiger, he was a key figure in Germany's golden generation that won the 2014 World Cup.

At his final press conference, Podolski simply said: 'So, Feierabend' ('So, quitting time'). He then closed a door bearing the words 'Danke Fußball' ('Thank you football') in six languages.