Germany's Podolski not a 'mascot'

Germany veteran Lukas Podolski insists he is not in the Euro 2016 squad as a mascot but ready to help the world champions win the continental title in France.

"I certainly didn't come here as a mascot," he told a news conference Wednesday after some media had used this phrase.

"It is outrageous, I don't deserve this."

Podolski, who turns 31 on Saturday, is the most-capped player in Joachim Loew's squad with 126 games.

He is no longer a regular starter but said he wants to play an important part at his seventh big tournament after a good first season at Turkey's Galatasaray.

"I have an important role," he said, adding: "I am top fit."

Podolski joined the training camp in Switzerland late owing to club duties, and Loew will finally have all players on board when Toni Kroos arrives after his weekend Champions League title with Real Madrid.

Assistant coach Marcus Sorg said Kroos was to train with the team later Wednesday. Also finally in team training is captain Bastian Schweinsteiger after a long injury lay-off, with Sorg saying he can become "a precious addition" during the tournament.