Germany bids farewall to 'Prince Poldi' in England friendly

For the last of his 130 international matches for Germany, Lukas Podolski will lead the team out as captain for the first time.

The 31-year-old Germany striker, affectionately called “Prince Poldi,” has said he will end his international career following a friendly against England on Wednesday in Dortmund.

“It will definitely be a nice moment but also a sad moment for me,” Germany coach Joachim Loew said Tuesday. “We have come a long way together, overcome many hurdles. We experienced many disappointments but also the greatest triumph that you can experience as a player or coach, the World Cup win in 2014.”

Only 1990 World Cup-winning captain Lothar Matthaeus and all-time top-scorer Miroslav Klose have made more appearances for Germany.

Podolski made his international debut ahead of the 2004 European Championship when he was 19. He has scored 48 international goals but also, according to Loew, contributed to the team’s morale and spirit through his infectious good humor and easy-going nature.

“For him, hearts are rightfully beating everywhere because he has an incredible empathy for people. He always gave everyone the feeling he is incredibly important. We will miss such a player, such a person as Lukas,” Loew said.

The coach also said Podolski will be given the captain’s armband in the absence of the injured Manuel Neuer. That bit of news came as a shock to Podolski.

“Sensational,” Podolski said. “It’s the first time I’ve heard that. It can’t be any better for the last game than to run out as captain. I can only say thanks.”

Podolski, who was born in Gliwice, Poland, and has Polish citizenship, has played in seven tournaments over a 13-year career for Germany.

Brought to West Germany by his family when he was 2 in 1987, Podolski came to prominence at hometown club Cologne, where he scored 46 goals in 81 league games before being signed by Bayern Munich in 2006.

“Football is simple. Put the thing in and go home,” Podolski has said.

After the game against England, the Germans will travel to Baku for a World Cup qualifier against Azerbaijan.

“On Wednesday, there’s the emotional game,” Germany forward Thomas Mueller said, “on Sunday, the important game.”