by Lewis Ambrose

It was a difficult season for Lukas Podolski and his emotions right now must surely be the total opposite of a year ago when the forward was a part of Germany’s successful World Cup campaign.

He may have returned to London as a world champion but, having signed Alexis Sánchez, he found himself badly out of favour at Emirates Stadium.

The deadline day purchase of Danny Welbeck pushed Podolski further down the pecking order and he agitated for more football, eventually being loaned to Internazionale in January.

After just one goal in 17 Serie A appearances – including eight starts – the German international has now told Bild that the move was a mistake.

“Inter? Last season went how it went. English football is the one which best suits my style but I know how suddenly everything can change,” Podolski said.

“I have characteristics to help different teams but it was a mistake to go to Inter with no redemption clauses.”

It’s now clear that the spell in Italy put off Inter as well as anyone else in the league from a potential deal this summer, and Podolski could have to return to Arsenal if no other suitors are found.

Play

“I’ve always felt comfortable there. With the fans, with the team and also with the manager. I’m going back to play, I have to say my qualities suit Arsenal.”

He may be intending on playing but that doesn’t seem likely. Olivier Giroud and Alexis Sánchez enjoyed fine seasons in his absence, while Theo Walcott ended the season brilliantly and looks set to agree a new contract in the near future.

Then there is still Danny Welbeck as well as the well-known preference that Wenger has to have a creative player in a wide role. Podolski may want to play but his opportunities will once again be limited should he return to Arsenal this summer.

“In football there are times when everything doesn’t work out for the best. You’re not always playing as a starter and you just have to accept the decisions and work on your own game. That’s what I did but now I’m looking forward.”

The German, who was won 125 caps for his country, is looking forward.

Unfortunately for him so are Arsenal, and it isn’t likely that Arsène Wenger is planning on a future which heavily involves Lukas Podolski, if it even includes him at all.