Podolski to stay on

Bayern striker to fight for place

By James Pearson   Last updated: 21st July 2008

Podolski to stay on

Podolski: To fight for place

I cannot be happy with what happened last season.

Podolski
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Lukas Podolski has confirmed he will be staying with Bundesliga champions Bayern Munich.

The Germany international striker's future has been the subject of much speculation this summer after he failed to hold down regular football last season.

However, new manager Jurgen Klinsmann has always maintained his desire to retain the talented forward and, after holding a meeting with the player, Podolski is now looking forward to the start of the new season.

Asked if he would be a Bayern player when the club take on Hamburg in the first game of the season, the 23-year-old replied: "Of course.

Concentrating

"I've just had a meeting with Jurgen Klinsmann. For now, I'm concentrating on the coming season."

However, Podolski has hinted that he could reconsider his Allianz Arena future should he be forced to endure another season of frustration kicking his heels on the bench.

"I cannot be happy with what happened last season. I didn't play much and it's normal to ask questions," he continued.

"My goal for this season is to not be on the bench."