When Arsenal and Cologne were drawn together in Group H of this season’s Europa League, Lukas Podolski was the first name on everyone’s lips having become a fan favourite at both clubs.
Poldi won the FA Cup during his time at Arsenal, helping the north London side end a nine-year spell without a trophy, and scored 83 goals in 180 games with German side Cologne.
Arsenal have already beaten the Bundesliga side 3-1 in a game marred by crowd trouble – ahead of the return fixture, both teams decided to exchange fond memories of the player that unites them.
Hey @Arsenal, how about some more #GoaldenPoldi? 23 January 2005, @Podolski10 shows he's got feet like a dancer. 🕺 #ReturnoftheGOAT #effzeh pic.twitter.com/13NJeXCWnt
— 1. FC Cologne (@fckoeln_en) November 23, 2017
Take a look at those dancing feet – a very young Podolski, there.
Poldi himself was clearly a fan.
— Lukas-Podolski.com (@Podolski10) November 23, 2017
Arsenal responded with the German’s debut goal for the Gunners, scored against Liverpool at Anfield.
Nice feet! 🕺
Here's a #GoaldenPoldi moment that was special for all of us here – @Podolski10's first Arsenal goal, at Anfield in 2012 🔴#COLvAFC pic.twitter.com/NeXurMGsEA
— Arsenal FC (@Arsenal) November 23, 2017
That’s got to be one of the most drawn out one-twos in football history.
There was only one way to reply – you want chips with that?
Not bad. 👏Let's take the #GoaldenPoldi back to 2005 when @Podolski10 scored a brace in the #effzeh stadium, including this cheeky lob. #ReturnoftheGOAT pic.twitter.com/adtOagNYzH
— 1. FC Cologne (@fckoeln_en) November 23, 2017
And no Podolski highlight reel would be complete without that hammer of a left foot.
That finish 👌
OK, one more #GoaldenPoldi memory from us – it wouldn't feel right to do this without referencing that hammer of a left foot…
Check out this rocket against West Ham 🚀🚀🚀
Anyway, here's to a good game tonight 👊#COLvAFC pic.twitter.com/vJGZDr3TxJ
— Arsenal FC (@Arsenal) November 23, 2017
No stopping that.
As for who Podolski will be supporting, this image made it pretty clear he’s got interests in a high-scoring draw.
Can’t wait for tonight. Poldi will be watching! 👀⚽❤ #effzeh #gunners #Poldi 💯👊🏻 @fckoeln @Arsenal pic.twitter.com/JkNqgmhUXM
— Lukas-Podolski.com (@Podolski10) November 23, 2017
He left an impression at both clubs, that’s for sure.