Unsettled striker Podolski is set to rejoin Cologne by next summer for €10 million, and Schumacher was one of the ardent fans who financially contributed towards the deal.

The German outfit have raised €96,000 thus far, and all supporters still can pay their team more money via the club's official website.

"Well, boy, you have followed your heart and that is always good," Schumacher, who retired from Formula One in 2006, wrote to Podolski on the website.

"Genuine team spirit can be replaced by nothing and I am speaking from experience. My team has always been the most important to me.

"Now you can show all the fans what the club means to you. I keep my fingers crossed for you."

According to Cologne marketing manager Lars Nierfeld, Schumacher wanted to show his support to the deal earlier, but he put off his plan after being negligibly injured in a motorcycle accident.