Munich - Frustrated Germany forward Lukas Podolski has told his club Bayern Munich that he wants to leave the Bundesliga champions during the upcoming winter break, the Bild daily reported on Monday.

Bild said that Podolski, 23, made this move even though Munich manager Uli Hoeness on the weekend ruled out any departure during the January transfer window.

"I have told those responsible that I want to leave in winter," Podolski was quoted as telling Bild. "I have reached the decision that I want to leave the club in winter."

Podolski came to Munich in 2006 from Cologne for 10 million euros (7.9 million euros) on a contract until 2010. But he never managed to become a regular starter there and has been unhappy about his reserve player role for a long time.

So far Munich have not allowed him to leave. However, he has been frequently linked with a return to his home club Cologne should be be released in Munich.

Podolski's showings in Munich stand in sharp contrast to those in the national team where he has won 60 caps and scored 31 goals. (dpa)