Out-of-favour Bayern Munich striker Lukas Podolski has agreed to return to his former club Cologne at the end of the season on a four-year contract, ending months of speculation over his future.

"I have agreed a deal with Cologne starting from July 1, 2009," the 23-year-old striker said on his personal website (www.lukas-podolski.com).

"I am glad the decision for my future has been taken and all speculation about me is finally over." Cologne said the deal was for four years.

No financial details of the deal were released but Podolski will reportedly cost Cologne €10 million, roughly the same fee Bayern paid for him in 2006.

Podolski, who has been a very successful striker for the national team scoring 31 goals in 60 appearances, could not find a regular starting spot at Bayern since signing for the champions.

The recent addition of striker Landon Donovan, on loan from the Los Angeles Galaxy, and the signing of Hamburg's Ivica Olic who will boost the Bayern attack from next season, had made matters worse for Podolski.

He already had to compete with established strikers Miroslav Klose and Luca Toni.

"I have had very good discussions with (Cologne coach) Christoph Daum and (Cologne manager) Michael Meier and I am fully convinced of the club's concept. I look forward to this challenge," he added.