He just wants to play football. Lukas Podolski bleeds football – it’s his life. He trains hard but also has plenty of fun on and off the field. However, playing matches is what the 30-year-old loves the most and he wasn’t guaranteed game time at Arsène Wenger’s Arsenal, so he decided to move on this summer.
His transfer across the continent was recently completed, so he hopes to be featuring more frequently this season. Podolski no longer plays in London – he will be pulling on the Galatasaray shirt this season in Turkey. He received a hero’s welcome when he was introduced to the media on 4th July. “That was incredible,” he told Bild. “I never expected to see thousands of fans at the airport.”
"I still love playing football"
Podolski is a global star but also a fans’ favourite. Everywhere he’s gone, he’s been received incredibly well by the supporters. He left the following message on Facebook when he left Arsenal: “Over the last 3 years I've had the pleasure of working with some amazing people at Arsenal, I want to thank everyone from all the staff behind the scenes to the manager and my team mates, who have all helped make London a second home to me. To the fans... The best fans in England, who have supported myself and the team no matter what, you will forever hold a special place in my heart and I will forever be a Gunner!”
He’s now a Gala player and has high hopes for his time in Turkey. “I still love playing football and I hope to make a lot of appearances and be successful in the coming three years,” he explained. “The fact that they are in the Champions League certainly played a role in my decision to come here.”
Galatasaray are the most successful team in Turkey. They have won the championship on 20 occasions, including last season. They lifted the UEFA Cup (previous incarnation of the Europa League) at the start of the 21st century, beating Arsenal on penalties in the final.
"I still have a lot to offer when I’m fit"
Hamza Hamzaoğlu’s squad is full of international stars: Wesley Sneijder and Felipe Melo are amongst their ranks. Things are looking good, but Podolski isn’t making any unrealistic predictions ahead of his maiden campaign in Turkey. “I’m going to need a bit of time. I know that I’m coming into a new league and a new country, and of course the supporters are expecting big things. I need to harness their excitement and find my rhythm, which has been lacking in recent weeks.”
The attacked remains confident in his own ability, despite not featuring as often as he would have liked to this year. “I can’t wait to get to work again. I still have a lot to offer when I’m fit,” he added. This also applies to die Mannschaft. The transfer will help boost his international prospects, as he is likely to get more minutes.
The European Championship takes place in France next year and Podolski knows that he needs to be back to his best in order to try and force himself into the squad. He’s optimistic that his time in Turkey will be ideal preparations. “I’m convinced that joining Galatasaray was the right thing, so I’m here.”
created by mmc/mb
He just wants to play football. Lukas Podolski bleeds football – it’s his life. He trains hard but also has plenty of fun on and off the field. However, playing matches is what the 30-year-old loves the most and he wasn’t guaranteed game time at Arsène Wenger’s Arsenal, so he decided to move on this summer.
His transfer across the continent was recently completed, so he hopes to be featuring more frequently this season. Podolski no longer plays in London – he will be pulling on the Galatasaray shirt this season in Turkey. He received a hero’s welcome when he was introduced to the media on 4th July. “That was incredible,” he told Bild. “I never expected to see thousands of fans at the airport.”
"I still love playing football"
Podolski is a global star but also a fans’ favourite. Everywhere he’s gone, he’s been received incredibly well by the supporters. He left the following message on Facebook when he left Arsenal: “Over the last 3 years I've had the pleasure of working with some amazing people at Arsenal, I want to thank everyone from all the staff behind the scenes to the manager and my team mates, who have all helped make London a second home to me. To the fans... The best fans in England, who have supported myself and the team no matter what, you will forever hold a special place in my heart and I will forever be a Gunner!”
He’s now a Gala player and has high hopes for his time in Turkey. “I still love playing football and I hope to make a lot of appearances and be successful in the coming three years,” he explained. “The fact that they are in the Champions League certainly played a role in my decision to come here.”
Galatasaray are the most successful team in Turkey. They have won the championship on 20 occasions, including last season. They lifted the UEFA Cup (previous incarnation of the Europa League) at the start of the 21st century, beating Arsenal on penalties in the final.
"I still have a lot to offer when I’m fit"
Hamza Hamzaoğlu’s squad is full of international stars: Wesley Sneijder and Felipe Melo are amongst their ranks. Things are looking good, but Podolski isn’t making any unrealistic predictions ahead of his maiden campaign in Turkey. “I’m going to need a bit of time. I know that I’m coming into a new league and a new country, and of course the supporters are expecting big things. I need to harness their excitement and find my rhythm, which has been lacking in recent weeks.”
The attacked remains confident in his own ability, despite not featuring as often as he would have liked to this year. “I can’t wait to get to work again. I still have a lot to offer when I’m fit,” he added. This also applies to die Mannschaft. The transfer will help boost his international prospects, as he is likely to get more minutes.
The European Championship takes place in France next year and Podolski knows that he needs to be back to his best in order to try and force himself into the squad. He’s optimistic that his time in Turkey will be ideal preparations. “I’m convinced that joining Galatasaray was the right thing, so I’m here.”
