You'd be hard pressed to find a football fan who doesn't like Lukas Podolski.Okay, perhaps not Tottenham supporters but the German has been respected throughout his career at the likes of Bayern Munich, Cologne and Arsenal.The 32-year-old impressed during his time in the Premier League even if he never truly nailed down a place in the starting XI, eventually departing for Galatasaray in 2015.Then, typical of the man himself, he bowed out of international football last year with a thunderous left-footed winner v England before moving to Vissel Kobe to wind down his career in Japan.It's a move typical of many footballer his age, although the MLS and China are now emerging as the most popular career closers.And Podolski can certainly reflect on a successful career when his trophy cabinets features a Bundesliga shield, FA Cup and World Cup.His form in Japan has been somewhat mediocre, however.In 15 appearances for the club, he has found the net on five occasions and hasn't registered an assist with Vissel nestling in mid table after 30 fixtures.
Nevertheless, one Podolski moment during his time in Japan has managed to attract the attention of fans in what must be seen as one of the funniest bookings of the season.In the recent Emperor's Cup clash with the Kashima Antlers, Podolski could be seen speaking to an opposition defender and goalkeeper as the referee dished out orders before a set piece.The German gesticulated to the defender by raising his arms and managed to clip Hitoshi Sogahata in the process, cuing the mother of all overreactions.Falling as if there was a sniper in the stands, the Antlers shot stopper did enough to convince the referee that a yellow card was in order.Remarkably, too, Podolski then took the decision to tweet a video of the incident with a jovial caption to express his utter bewilderment. Check it out:
Brilliant stuff from the 32-year-old and vindication of his popularity.
Thankfully for Podolski, the moment of farce didn't detract from Vissel's performance as they progressed to the semi-finals by penalty shootout.
He just might want to watch where he swings his arms next time out.
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