Lukas Podolski spent the international break ‘wrestling’ legendary sumo champion Hakuho Sho in Japan.
The former Arsenal striker, who retired from international duty two years ago, is now plying his trade with J-League side Vissel Kobe.
And clear to immerse himself in Japanese culture as much as possible, Podolski decided to try his hand at the legendary sport.
Hakuho Sho showed the World Cup winner the ropes by kitting him out in the traditional mawashi (loincloth) worn by wrestlers before stepping onto the doyho to fight.
A 2012 summer signing from boyhood club Cologne, Podolski joined Arsenal and became a fan favourite by scoring 16 times and registering 11 assists in his first season at the Emirates.
Podolski was allowed to move on after falling out of favour with Arsene Wenger, but still managed to win the FA Cup in 2014.
Podolski arrived in Japan in 2017 after spells with Inter Milan and Galatasaray.
Alongside Andres Iniesta and David Villa, the 33-year-old has led Vissel to sixth in table after just four games of the new season.
The striker represented Germany on 130 occasions and made his final appearance against England almost two years ago to the day.
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