Podolski: Style of play lured me to Arsenal
GERMANY forward Lukas Podolski admits Arsenal’s swashbuckling style was a key factor in his decision to join the Gunners next season.
Podolski’s widely expected move, in a deal thought to be worth around £10m, was confirmed by both Arsenal and the 26-year-old’s current club FC Cologne yesterday.
The versatile attacker’s imminent arrival represents a coup for Arsene Wenger, whose quick passing game helped lure the former Bayern Munich star to Emirates Stadium.
“I’m so happy to be joining Arsenal and to play in the Premier League. It is one of the top clubs in Europe with a huge history,” he said.
“There are many top quality players at Arsenal and the style of football which the team plays is fantastic. I’m proud to become an Arsenal player and am looking forward to playing my first match at Emirates Stadium and doing my best for all the Arsenal fans.”
Podolski has scored 43 goals in 95 appearances for Germany, despite his relative youth, and notched in the 4-1 victory that ended England’s campaign at the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.
Gunners manager Wenger called Podolski’s international haul “a phenomenal record”, adding: “He is a top-class player, a very good finisher and a proven performer at club and international level.
“He is a very strong player and will provide us with good attacking options. We are happy to have made this signing early.”
Podolski, who is in his second spell with Cologne, having returned from a disappointing stint with Bavarian giants Bayern in 2009, has scored 18 goals in 28 German top-flight matches this season.
The Polish-born player can operate as a central striker or wide on the left, making him well suited to Arsenal’s current 4-3-3 system, whether captain Robin van Persie stays or not.