Former Arsenal forward Lukas Podolski has sealed a “dream” homecoming with his latest transfer.
The 36-year-old has signed for Polish top-tier outfit Gornik Zabrze following spells in Turkey and Japan.
The 130-capped former Germany international, who grew up supporting the club in Poland, was eligible to play for both nations and has enjoyed a glittering career across Europe and Asia.
Podolski was born in the town of Gliwice, located next to Zabrze, and has maintained his desire to end his career at the club for a number of years.
Gornik are regarded as Poland’s second-most successful club, having won 14 Polish Championships (level with Ruch Chorzow one behind Legia Warsaw) and six Polish Cups.
In 2014, shortly before winning the World Cup with Germany, he purchased shares in the club.
A passage on his website reads: "It’s my dream to finish my footballing career playing for Gornik.
"Gornik Zabrze is the team I support in my Polish homeland.
"Every year when I visit my family in Upper Silesia, I love to meet up with my friends and acquaintances there for a good chat."
The move follows a season with Antalyaspor, having previously turned out for Andres Iniesta’ Vissel Kobe prior.
Gornik had a season to forget last time out as they finished 10th in the Ekstraklasa last term, and last won the title in 1988.
Podolski previously spent three years at Arsenal, where he won the 2014 FA Cup. He was a fan favourite at the Emirates due to his good-natured and down-to-Earth character, scoring 31 goals in 82 games.
That came after two spells with Bundesliga side Cologne - with a stint at Bayern Munich sandwiched between - during which he racked up 181 appearances.
Podolski is considered a legend in the city, owning a number of pubs and a kebab shop, as well as selling produce at the club’s ground, the RheinEnergieStadion.
His homecoming follows that of former Borussia Dortmund defender Lukasz Piszczek, who has made a summer switch to his hometown club, Goczalkowice-Zdroj, who play in in Poland’s fourth tier.
Was Podolski underrated at Arsenal? Comment your thoughts below.
Recently, Podolski also signed up to be a judge on Germany’s version of Britain’s Got Talent.
‘Das Supertalent’ has been running for 14 seasons and often attracts around three million weekly viewers.
The ex-Gunner vowed to be 'honest... in a fair way' when replacing pop singer Dieter Bohlen, telling RTL : "I've always enjoyed watching Das Supertalent with my family, now I'll be sitting on the panel myself.
"I'm excited about these and other new challenges at my new club.
"I always wonder how much talent can people have? But there are always new surprises."
