Lukas Podolski has officially called time on his playing career and has immediately transitioned into an ownership role.
The iconic German forward announced his retirement on Friday on via his Instagram account, writing: “One chapter ends, a new era begins.”
His final minutes on the pitch came during Gornik Zabrze’s home fixture against Radomiak Radom on Saturday afternoon.
The 40-year-old can look proudly on a glittering career, having won the 2014 World Cup and scored 49 goals in total for the German national team.
He represented several European giants throughout his career, including Bayern Munich, Inter Milan, Galatasaray, and Arsenal.
Podolski spent a total three years at the Emirates, scoring 19 goals and helping the Gunners secure the FA Cup in 2014.
He ultimately decided to end his career with boyhood club Gornik Zabrze and even skippered them to a Polish Cup triumph this season.
And his association with the team will continue having now become their majority owner.
In a video posted by Gornik Zabrze, he confirmed the end of his playing days, stating: “Well, that’s it for today. Thank you, football.”
His retirement announcement on Instagram featured commentary from some of his most famous moments on the pitch.
Podolski calls time on ‘long journey’
The club followed it up with a comedic post, teasing Podolski about “building an international brand” as he moves into the boardroom.
Addressing the fans directly, Podolski said: “Dear fans, it’s been a long journey.
“But we did it… I just want to tell you, I’m the owner of Górnik Zabrze.”
Football is not the only industry where the 40-year-old has found success.
He has built a business empire off the pitch, including a highly successful chain of kebab shops called Mangal Doner, which has an estimated net worth of £180million.
His final playing season left some fans confused, as it appeared the German had originally retired in late 2024 when he returned to FC Köln for a high-profile testimonial match.
After that game, he had told supporters: “It’s over on the pitch now. But we’ll definitely see each other again off the pitch.
“Whether in the stands or on the road. Once a Koln fan, always a Koln fan.”
Instead of stopping there, Podolski remained a committed player for his Polish outfit this season, making 17 appearances across all competitions and captaining them to a trophy after 38 years.
Before stepping away from the game, the veteran recently spoke about whether his former club, Arsenal, will secure the Premier League title under his ex-teammate Mikel Arteta.
He said: “I think [Arsenal will win the Premier League] because I feel this season (there is) something extra.
“I hope so, especially for Mikel (Arteta). He invests a lot, and he tries a lot.
“I am happy to also play with him on the pitch.
“I also felt when I played with him, he had something extra, I felt he wanted to become a coach when he finished his career.
“He always wanted to be something extra, he always talked with Arsene Wenger after the training, after the games.”