Lukas Podolski angered by “mascot” jibes

Germany forward Lukas Podolski has hit out at criticism of his inclusion in Joachim Low‘s 23-man squad for Euro 2016.

The former Arsenal man, 30, was selected ahead of the injured Marco Reus, prompting users on social media to claim that he would be heading to the tournament in France merely as “a mascot”.

“I’m not going as a mascot as some people have described it,” Podolski told reporters on Wednesday. “I find it shows a total lack of respect. I’ve got over 100 caps. To describe me as a mascot, I think that’s out of order.

“I’ve got a lot of experience and had a good season [with Galatasaray] in Turkey. I’m fit, injury-free and my goal is to win the Euros.”

Podolski has 48 goals in 127 appearances for Germany, his most recent coming in a friendly against Australia in March 2015.