German froward Lukas Podolski has hit out at supporters for scrutinising his selection in Die Mannschaft’s Euro 2016 squad.
The Galatasaray man’s selection raised the eyebrows of many German supporters, all the more so given the surprise exclusion of widely acclaimed and much loved winger Marco Reus, who was left behind following fitness concerns.
Indeed, some fans went so far as to label the veteran forward a ‘mascot’, a description to which the 30-year-old former Bayern Munich and Arsenal star did not react kindly.
‘I’m not going as a mascot as some people have described it,’ he said.
‘I find it shows a total lack of respect. I’ve got over 100 caps. To describe me as a mascot, I think that’s out of order.’
The player remains confident in his abilities and has defended his tenure in Turkey.
‘I’ve got a lot of experience and had a good season in Turkey.
‘I’m fit, injury-free and my goal is to win the Euros.’
Podolski bagged 13 goals for his Turkish club this term and has made 127 appearances for the national side, scoring 48 goals in that time. The last time the player netted was against Australia in March last year.
Die Mannschaft begin their campaign for European Glory in Group C, where they will need to negotiate games against the Ukraine, Poland and Northern Ireland.
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