Lukas Podolski signed off his Germany career in style on Wednesday smashing home the winning goal with his trusty left boot to seal a 1-0 friendly victory over England.
It was only fitting that the Galatasaray forward, who joins Japan’s Vissel Kobe next season, should claim his 49th goal on his 130th — and final — international appearance.
“It was like in a movie, dear god gave me a strong left foot and I used it tonight,” beamed Podolski.
“It was a great game, a great result and a great way to say goodbye.”
Podolski captained the world champions to their first win over old rivals England on home soil since 1987.
The 31-year-old received a standing ovation in Dortmund after a pre-match presentation to mark his 13-year international career.
After his winning goal lit up an otherwise dull friendly on 69 minutes, Podolski came off to more thunderous applause with six minutes to go.
“That gave me goosebumps to get a reception like that,” added Podolski.
Before kick-off England manager Gareth Southgate paid tribute to the victims of Wednesday’s London terror attack and said there was no question of cancelling the match.
Southgate, who took the decision to drop Manchester United star Wayne Rooney from his squad, fielded a new-look side who had the better of the Germans in the first half.
“I take a lot of encouragement from that despite the result,” said Southgate.
“It’s never nice to lose, but I have to be pleased with the way the players played and how the tactical system worked.
