Former Arsenal star Lukas Podolski delivers horror tackle during tournament
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Lukas Podolski appeared anything but friendly as he produced a horror tackle during an exhibition tournament in Poland. Playing in the Spodek Super Cup, an eight-team indoor competition, Podolski showed little sign of his fire diminishing. Known for a thunderous strike in his time with Arsenal, the former Germany international had similar intentions with his tackling on this occasion.
In the tournament's third-place play-off match, wearing the captain's armband, Podolski was probably a little lucky to stay on the pitch. Not famous for his tackling abilities, the forward launched in with a diving tackle, crashing into his opponent's knee with one boot while his other leg swept around the back.
Not content with his efforts, Podolski thrust the ball in the direction of his fallen victim after hurling a few choice words in his direction too. Ultimately, the 39-year-old's side claimed a 4-1 victory. Podolski was representing his current club, Gornik Zabrze, who are currently sixth in Poland's Ekstraklasa. The five-a-side tournament included professional teams from Czechia and Slovakia's top-flights and an All-Star Team with former Polish internationals at the forefront.
The veteran must have been left with a feeling of having crossed the line however. Following the day's play, Podolski linked up with Kubą Siedleckim, of third division side Wisłoka Dębica, to apologise and handed him a shirt. In a social media post, Podolski said: "There were emotions on the pitch, but after the match there is agreement. Sorry for the hard foul. All the best in the season.".
