Lukas Podolski’s farewell ‘cheesy’ says team-mate Thomas Muller as goal hero subbed off to Gladiator theme in final game for Germany

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.

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.

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 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."