a bit off topic, but in this age or mercenaries, i find this story to be heartwarming..
Podolski to return to Colognehttp://msn.foxsports.com/soccer/story/9100848/Podolski-to-return-to-CologneBERLIN (AP) - Germany striker Lukas Podolski will return to FC Cologne from Bayern Munich next season.
Podolski will join Cologne on July 1 on a four-year contract, the club announced Monday. It said the two clubs had agreed not to disclose details of the deal.
Podolski moved to Bayern from Cologne after the 2006 World Cup but has been unable to establish himself as a starter with the defending Bundesliga champions.
"It's a milestone in the history of FC Cologne," coach Christoph Daum said.
Cologne Mayor Fritz Schramma said Podolski belonged to Cologne just "like the Cathedral belongs to Cologne."
The German media speculated that Podolski's return cost Cologne €10 million ($13.27 million), the same amount in euros it received from Bayern for his transfer.
The 23-year-old striker's future has been at the center of intense speculation in Germany over recent months. It was fueled further by Bayern's recent announcement that it would bring in Croatia forward Ivica Olic from Hamburger SV next season and by the signing on loan of United States striker Landon Donovan.
"I am glad that the decision about my sporting future has been made and the speculation about me has come to an end," the Polish-born Podolski said. "I am looking forward to the challenge. Until the summer, I will concentrate entirely on Bayern."
Newly promoted Cologne went into the 18-team Bundesliga's winter break in 11th place.
"(Podolski) followed his heart," Cologne president Wolfgang Overath said. "I am very glad that we, as a promoted team, were able to sign a Germany national player like Lukas Podolski."
Podolski has 60 games and 31 goals for Germany but he only scored 12 goals in 58 Bundesliga games for Bayern.