Former Arsenal forward Lukas Podolski aims playing for African champions Al Ahly
Al Ahly boss Marcel Koller is the main reason attracting one of Germany’s former forwards with Lukas Podolski speaking about his readiness to play for Africa’s most successful club in the upcoming FIFA Club World Cup in Saudi Arabia.
Former Bayern Munich and Arsenal forward Lukas Podolski revealed he doesn’t mind playing for African champions Al Ahly.
The Reds are in search of a new foreign striker for some time now, especially after the departure of Mohamed Sherif to Saudi Arabia’s Al-Khaleej.
One of the many names to be linked with Al Ahly is former German international Lukas Podolski, who had worked with Marcel Koller during their time together at FC Köln.
Lukas Podolski, 38, is currently plying his trade at Polish club Górnik Zabrze after a long career that saw him represent Bayern Munich, Arsenal, Inter Milan, and Galatasaray.
When asked about Al Ahly’s interest, the 2014 World Cup winner said: “Marcel Koller is the one who discovered me at FC Köln when I was 17 years old.
“I spoke with him and sent him congratulations after his success in winning the CAF Champions League with Al Ahly.
“Playing in the Club World Cup is a great opportunity to face international teams like Manchester City. Koller might achieve a surprise and lead Al Ahly to win the title.
“No one from Al Ahly has contacted me. It’s a great team with a large fan base and a history of titles, but my question to Al Ahly is whether they would accept me at the age of 38?”
Podolski went on to praise Egypt internationals Omar Marmoush and Mohamed Salah, labelling the latter as a ‘positive image’ for Egypt.
“Omar Marmoush is a strong player with exceptional abilities, and he has developed himself within a team. I hope he performs excellently in his new experience with Frankfurt,” Podolski said.
“Mohamed Salah is one of the best Egyptian players of all time. He achieves a lot for his country, and his accomplishments help portray a positive image of the Egyptian player in Europe.”
Al Ahly will play an African slot in the 2023 Club World Cup in December in Saudi Arabia. The defeated Wydad Casablanca in last season’s CAF Champions League final.
