Lukas Podolski reserved arguably the best goal of his international career for his 130th and final appearance.The 31-year-old hammered an unstoppable 25-yard strike past England goalkeeper Joe Hart in the 69th minute at Signal Iduna Park.It was the only goal of the friendly and Podolski received a hero’s send-off from the German fans after being substituted by Joachim Low with just over five minutes remaining."This is like a great movie," the Galatasaray forward told ARD, per Goal. "We win 1-0 and I score the goal."I know I have a left foot that was probably gifted to me by God, or someone up there, and I can always rely on it. I am proud of these last 13 years."From the atmosphere in the stadium you could see the connection I have with people from Cologne."There were at least 30,000 people from Cologne in the stadium. It gives you goose bumps. That’s when you know where you home is, and that you’ve done a lot of good, also off the pitch. That makes me very proud."

Podolski received a hero's send-off

It’s no surprise that it felt like a movie to Podolski. As he was subbed off, the sound system inside Borussia Dortmund’s home stadium began to blast out ‘Now We Are Free’ from the hit film Gladiator.

In many ways, particularly during the closing stages of the game and after the match, it felt less like an international friendly and more like Podolski’s very own international testimonial.

"That goal was typical Poldi," Low said. "Special players deserve a farewell like that. This is great for him.

“We thought about substituting him earlier but at half-time he told us he wanted to play for longer. So we watched how the game went on and it was good he was still in it."

Podolski reveals what Joe Hart said to him

Following his goal, images emerged of Hart appearing to congratulate Podolski for his wonder goal.

And Podolski revealed what the Manchester City keeper, who’s currently on loan at Torino, said to him.

The former Arsenal star added: ”He said it was a f***ing brilliant shot - amazing!"

We can’t argue with that, Joe. It absolutely was.

However, we doubt Hart would have been quite so kind to Podolski if it wasn’t his opponent’s final international match.