Cologne - Lukas Podolski won't jeopardize his Germany team future with a return to Cologne from Bayern Munich as coach Joachim Loew has advised the striker to listen to his heart. "I told him 'listen to your heart,'" Loew told Tuesday's edition of the Express daily, saying he talked to the forward before Christmas.
"He must be at a club where he feels well. Lukas is an emotional person. He needs cosy surroundings to play at his best. And if he feels that Cologne can offer this then his step is the right one."
Podolski left his home club Cologne for Munich in 2006 but never became a regular starter there. The frustrated player wants to return to Cologne in summer despite a contract until 2010.
Munich are set to let him go if the price is right and further talks with Cologne are reportedly set for this week. Podolski was quoted on Saturday as saying he hoped for a swift agreement.
There has been speculation that Podolski could be made Cologne captain next season. Loew said being a team leader at the club will further help the development of Podolski, who has scored 31 goals in 60 Germany caps.
"Lukas needs to play at his club. If that is the case he will come to the national team with even more self-confidence."
