Podolski premieres Netflix documentary after football retirement

Lukas Podolski is embracing life after football, making his first public appearance since retiring at the premiere of his Netflix documentary, "Poldi," in Cologne. The former star attended the event at the FC stadium with the film crew and family, just days after playing his final professional match.

Podolski, 40, admitted that not being a professional footballer feels strange. "I'm curious myself to see what happens. I've never done this before. So I'll let it come to me," he said, speaking at his former stomping ground. He anticipates enjoying the initial weeks of freedom from training and weekend commitments but expects the pull of the game to return.

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I'm curious myself to see what happens. I've never done this before. So I'll let it come to me.

Having played his last game for Gornik Zabrze in Poland, Podolski is set to purchase 86% of the club's shares and finance its future. "I love football too much to say: I'm not interested in anything anymore. I'm not that kind of person. There are many ways to keep busy, including with football. I think I'll find something to do," he stated, confirming his continued connection to the sport.

The 90-minute documentary, launching June 4, chronicles Podolski's penultimate season in Poland, a period during which he contemplated retirement before deciding to play one more year.

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I love football too much to say: I'm not interested in anything anymore. I'm not that kind of person. There are many ways to keep busy, including with football. I think I'll find something to do.