Lukas Podolski certainly did not expect the evening to turn into drama. This Thursday in Cologne, during a friendly match organized in his honor, the German striker saw his event marred by serious incidents. According to information from
The Teama Polish fan was stabbed near the stadium and nine police officers were injured.
While nearly 50,000 people came to celebrate the end of the career of the former Geißböcke player, around a meeting between “Team Poldi” and his training club, clashes broke out near Cologne Cathedral between two rival fan groups.
The main victim, a 32-year-old man, was rushed to hospital after suffering a stab wound. According to reports, his condition was deemed “critical.” The police, who intervened, also reported several injuries among the police officers. An investigation was opened, and the authorities launched a call for witnesses. At the same time, a 17-year-old boy, presumed to be an accomplice of the attacker, was arrested, his clothes stained with blood.
For his part, Lukas Podolski warmly thanked the many fans who came to pay tribute to him. “It’s over on the pitch, but we will definitely see each other again off the pitch, whether in the stands or outside. Once a Cologne fan, always a Cologne fan. It means a lot to me that so many fans want to come and enjoy this special evening with me. It is a last declaration of love to this special city, to the club with its fantastic fans, to my teammates for so many years and to the other people who have accompanied my path.declared the 2014 world champion into the microphone.
Currently under contract with Polish club Górnik Zabrze until next June, Podolski will end his 21-year career at the end of the season.
