Football
Stephan Uersfeld, Germany correspondent 10y

Lukas Podolski open to Cologne return

Arsenal forward Lukas Podolski has spoken of his desire to return to former club Cologne, but only after he has seen out his current contract with the Gunners.#INSERT

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caption:Lukas Podolski has scored four in goals his last two games as Arsenal look to finish fourth.
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Podolski was in the stands on Monday as Cologne sealed their return to the Bundesliga with a 3-1 home win against Bochum.

The Germany international posted several pictures and videos of the celebrations on Instagram, with one post paired with the caption: "I’m so happy for my ex club. Congrats FC for coming back to the 1st league."

Podolski has rediscovered his scoring touch in recent weeks with braces against West Ham and Hull as Arsenal bid to secure a top-four Premier League finish.

In the face of ongoing rumours about a possible exit from the Emirates Stadium, the 28-year-old has now told transfermarkt.de that he hopes to fulfil his contract until 2016.

"I would also like to meet my Arsenal contract," he said. "But you never know in football, sometimes it can go very fast."

Were he to leave the Gunners, Podolski revealed that a third stint at his boyhood club would be his preferred option.

"The Bundesliga is one of the best leagues in the world, and thus always interesting," he continued.

"When I think of the Bundesliga, I naturally first of all think of the FC.

"That's much more than just a club for me, that's home. Maybe I'll play for the Billygoats again, that is always an option and a matter of heart." 

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