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THOMAS MULLER praised Germany team-mate Lukas Podolski - but called his farewell from international football "cheesy".

The former Arsenal man scored a thumping 25-yard drive as Germany beat England 1-0 - before being subbed off as the Gladiator theme blared out over the Tannoy.

 Lukas Podolski was given the bumps after his 130th and final game for Germany
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Lukas Podolski was given the bumps after his 130th and final game for GermanyCredit: EPA
 The striker thumped home the winner against England
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The striker thumped home the winner against EnglandCredit: Reuters

But Bayern Munich star Muller laughed off the dramatic exit.

He said: "You couldn't write a better script.


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"If I was the director, I would find it too cheesy.

"No one would believe it!"

Podolski took a lap of the pitch and was given the bumps by team-mates after full-time.

 The Gladiator theme blared out as Podolski was subbed off
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The Gladiator theme blared out as Podolski was subbed offCredit: EPA
 Thomas Muller mocked Podolski for his 'cheesy' send off
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Thomas Muller mocked Podolski for his 'cheesy' send offCredit: Getty Images

But Muller, on as a second half sub, went on to praise fellow World Cup winner Podolski - who ends a brilliant international career with 49 goals in 130 caps.

He added: "Now it's about enjoying it all.

"Normally the stadium is empty ten minutes after the final whistle, but everyone is still here to celebrate Poldi. It's outstanding.

"Poldi is a special one, a special kind. You do not make 130 appearances just like that.

"We will miss him at the coming tournaments."

 Podolski took a lap of honour and mingled with fans at fill-time
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Podolski took a lap of honour and mingled with fans at fill-timeCredit: Reuters

Podolski was also praised by England goalkeeper Joe Hart, who offered the former Arsenal man a fist bump and told him he'd scored a "f***ing brilliant" goal.

The striker continued the movie theme when he was interviewed after the game.

He told ARD: "This is like a great movie. 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."

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