Lukas Podolski has raised doubts over his future at Cologne after questioning the club's prospects of qualifying for Europe.
Home-town striker disappointed by failure to challenge for Europe
Lukas Podolski has raised doubts over his future at Cologne after questioning the club's prospects of qualifying for Europe.
The striker is under contract until 2013 and Cologne are keen to hold talks over an extension after Podolski was linked with Arsenal.
However, the 26-year-old is disappointed by the club's failure to challenge for Europe and the Germany international is now reportedly weighing up his future.
"I was told the plan was to get back into Europe here, but we have failed and of course I have to ask myself why," he told
Die Welt.
"Whenever I am with the national team, I always notice people shaking their heads when yet another story emerges from Cologne which has nothing to do with sport."
Not forced to stay
Podolski was born in Cologne and did all he could to move back to the club after three disappointing years with Bayern Munich, where he got his first taste of UEFA Champions League and Europa League football.
However, changes of coaches and problems at board level have disrupted the last few seasons and, although Podolski admits his bond with the city is still strong, he says that does not necessarily mean he will spend the rest of his life there.
"My family and friends may live here and I know every corner of the city, but if I am in top condition, then I think I could fit into any side in Europe," he said.
"I am not forced to stay only in Cologne."
