Lukas Podolski has not enjoyed a good loan spell in Italy.

Coming in for intense criticism from the media, almost topping a poll of worst January signings and being told publicly by his manager, Roberto Mancini, that he needs to do more, the complaints are similar to the reasons Arsene Wenger no doubt decided to let him go.

Speaking to Gazatta dello Sport his teammate, Xherdan Shaqiri, who was selected in Inter Milan’s Europa League squad ahead of the German, said

“Luke is a true professional, he helps all teammates and runs much. He experienced a difficult period, but he has the experience to get out of it.

“Podolski is a very balanced person, I do not think he is depressed because of his criticism of the media.

“You can see from the training that Podolski will make good soon. I disagree with the criticism against him.”

Podolski’s agent has already confirmed that the player will be returning to England and Arsenal in the summer although it’s impossible to see him with a future in north London.

Where will he end up? It’s hard to tell, but there has been reported interest from clubs in Turkey and that could be the only option left for the Hammer unless he considers a return to FC Koln or a move to the MLS.

With quite a few years left, if he could shake himself and help his team a bit more, he might find himself with considerably more options.

Unfortunately for him, as it stands, he’s blown his chance with Inter and Arsenal.