ARSENAL hero Lukas Podolski is being investigated by German police shortly after his last ever match.
Podolski, 39, has made a name for himself in an 18-year career that has seen him play for the likes of Bayern Munich in Germany and, of course, the Gunners.
3
Arsenal hero Lukas Podolski announced his retirement from football in the reference matchSource: Getty 
3
During his testimony in Cologne, Podolski came into conflict with the policeSource: Getty 
3
Podolski lit a flare, which is prohibited in German stadiums, and he may be fined
The winger hung up his boots while playing for Polish side Górnik Zabrze and said goodbye to football during a match that took place two weeks ago in Cologne in front of 50,000 fans.
The former German international created his own team, which he called Team Poldi, which defeated Koln XI 5-3 at the RheinEnergieStadion.
After the match, the former Galatasaray star received a standing ovation from the crowd, which made him cry.
Then, an emotional Podolski joined the crowd in the stands and, saying goodbye to the fans, held a burning pyrotechnic flare.
According to Kolner Stadtanzeiger and Bild, this led the German to a sharp confrontation with the Cologne police, because firing flares is prohibited in German stadiums.
In fact, it is considered an administrative offense and Podolski therefore faces a pyrotechnics penalty.
The same source claims that the city is responsible for collecting the fine, and the Kolno legend will probably receive notice of the hearing in the mail in the next few days.
Former police director and head of Cologne stadium operations Volker Lange didn’t mince his words about the striker, calling him a “bad role model.”
Lange said: “First of all it is prohibited, second of all it is a bad role model. Thirdly: someone who takes over responsibility at FC should be a role model – also in moments like this.”
Many notable players honored Podolski during his testimonial match, including Manuel Neuer, Joachim Low, Mats Hummels and former Arsenal teammate Per Mertesacker.
Arsenal legend Lukas Podolski looks emotional as he retires from football at the age of 39
The former Inter Milan star enjoyed huge success, winning the Bundesliga with Bayern, the World Cup with Germany and the FA Cup with Arsenal, where he scored 31 goals and 15 assists in 82 games.
Podolski has proven to be successful off the pitch too, with his ice cream and kebab business.
It has been reported that the former Arsenal ace, who spent three years at Emirates before leaving in 2015, has seen his net worth rise to £177.5 million thanks to the investments.
