It's finally official, Lukas Podolski is set to leave the Bavarian Giants in the summer. Over at the FCB website, there is an official announcement about the move. "We have accommodated Lukas Podolski’s explicit wish for a return to Köln," commented FC Bayern Munich AG board director Uli Hoeneß. "This brings to an end all the rumours of recent weeks." The 23-year-old Podolski said he was "delighted that a decision has been taken regarding my sporting future, and that the speculation about me will now end." So finally Lukas gets to go home and Bayern have officially let go. It's about time the break-up came to a resolved end.
Another of the big rumors swirling right now is that Lucio wants to leave when his contract expires. Good news for van Buyten, who wishes to sign another contact with Bayern and the other defenders (Breno) to start fighting for a position within the team that is long overdue.
Uli Hoeness also announced that it is his understanding that Willy Sagnol, who has been struggling to recover from an Achilles tendon injury, is going to put his career to an end and will be retiring. "I had a chat with Willy Sagnol this week and it is my understanding that he will end his career," Hoeness told German tz newspaper. "I feel very sorry for Willy. This is a very sad fate." Willy has not yet officially announced his retirement. The 31 year old Sagnol has been capped 58 times by France. He has played for Bayern since 2000, winning the UEFA Champions League in 2001 and a 2006 World Cup runner-up. Other career highlights include winning the German championship five times and the German Cup four times.