Football
Stephan Uersfeld, Germany correspondent 8y

Germany forward Lukas Podolski: I'm more than a Euro 2016 mascot

Lukas Podolski believes he is more than just a "mascot" for the Germany squad at Euro 2016, insisting he has "an important role" to play for the world champions in France this summer.

Podolski, 30, has scored 48 goals in 127 senior appearances for Germany and was part of the squad that won the World Cup in Brazil two years ago.

However, with his most recent international goal coming in a 2-2 draw against Australia more than a year ago, it has been speculated that his inclusion in coach Joachim Low's final 23-man squad was more due to the Galatasaray forward's experience than his playing form.

But speaking to reporters at a news conference in Germany's training camp in Ascona, Podolski has said that he believes he can still give the team something, and other suggestions are disrespectful.

"I certainly did not come here as a mascot," he said. "I think that's disrespectful. I have played in over 100 international matches, and many tournaments. That I am called a mascot is impudence."

Podolski has scored four European Championship goals for Germany and, going into his fourth continental tournament, the former Bayern Munich and Arsenal forward said that he wants to help his team on the pitch.

"I never took my place in the squad for granted, but I do have an important role," Podolski said. "This will be my seventh tournament and so the manager knows how to utilise me on and off the pitch."

Two years ago Germany won their first title this century when they beat Argentina in the World Cup final in Rio de Janeiro, and Podolski said they are now hoping to emulate Spain by holding both major international trophies at the same time.

"The aim is to become European champions," he said. "My personal target is to push on in training, and if I play, I want to try to seize my opportunity.

"The love for football is like the love for your family and wife. It's always there."

Podolski has gone through a difficult spell in recent years after first losing his place at Arsenal and then failing to break into the team at Inter Milan during a six-month loan.

Since moving to Turkey last summer Podolski has managed to get back on track. He scored 13 league goals for Galatasaray and helped them win the Turkish Cup with his header in the final against Fenerbahce.

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