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Berlin - Germany forward Lukas Podolski is relishing a return to Cologne for the friendly match with the United States on Wednesday but admits his future remains uncertain.
"There is no question that the game against the US is a very emotional occasion for me," Podolski told a news conference Monday. "I'm still in Cologne a lot and still have a tight connection to the city."
Podolski made his Bundesliga breakthrough with Cologne in 2003 before moving to Bayern Munich in 2006. He returned to Cologne for a further three-year spell in 2009 before moving to Arsenal.
But things have not worked out well for Podolski in the British capital and he went on loan to Inter Milan in the latter half of last season.
"The time abroad has definitely brought me forward," he said. "Even when not everything has gone smoothly, I have gained a lot of experience."
Podolski is currently set to return to Arsenal but things could yet change before the new season begins in August.
"It looks like as if I will go back to Arsenal but there is always something that can happen," he said. "If it must be, then I am with Arsenal."
At the age of 30, the 123-times capped Podolski has a World Cup winners' medal from the successful 2014 campaign but still aims to be involved with the national team in the run-up to Euro 2016 in France.
"Of course it is my goal to always be in the Germany team," he said. "I am proud to be a national player. The next big goals is the Euros in France."
