Podolski: 'I Won't Stay Up for World Cup Games Anymore'

Lukas Podolski, a World Cup winner with Germany in 2014, has declared he will not be losing sleep over the upcoming expanded FIFA World Cup. The former professional footballer, now 41, stated that the tournament's new format, spanning across the USA, Mexico, and Canada, lacks the significance of previous major sporting events that once compelled him to adjust his schedule.

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The only reason I used to get up at night was for the Chicago Bulls or Mike Tyson.

"The only reason I used to get up at night was for the Chicago Bulls or Mike Tyson," Podolski recalled in a recent interview with Sport1. However, when it comes to the World Cup matches scheduled for late-night viewing in Europe, he is firm: "No, I'm out."

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No, I'm out.

Podolski, who was born in Poland and played in the Bundesliga for clubs like 1. FC Köln and Bayern Munich before concluding his career with Gornik Zabrze in Poland this May, indicated he might make an exception for crucial knockout stages involving the German national team. "Then I'll be there. Otherwise, I won't adjust my daily routine for the tournament," he said.

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Then I'll be there. Otherwise, I won't adjust my daily routine for the tournament.

His current priorities have shifted away from professional football. "My focus is now on the children and not on football," Podolski explained, signaling a desire to spend more time with his family after a long career. The ex-international's stance reflects a personal decision to disconnect from the sport's demands and embrace a different phase of life.

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My focus is now on the children and not on football.