Ever since he joined Inter Milan, Lukas Podolski has been under far more scrutiny than ever happened at Arsenal.

Branded a flop, he’s managed just one goal (and three assists) for the Italians in Serie A since joining them in January and has been regularly slated in the media.

With his future uncertain – he will return to Arsenal this summer but is by no means guaranteed to remain – Roberto Mancini has defended the German. Again.

Speaking in the Italian media, Manicni said of the criticism levelled at Poldi “It was unbearably inaccurate. Our Lukas seems to be a kid again, playing at the beach.

“Lukas is a very serious boy who has a very positive effect on the team and I’m glad I got to know him.”

Under contract with Arsenal until next summer, it’s impossible to see how he fits back at the Emirates but he’ll have no shortage of suitors given his calibre and the fact that many people have been dazzled by his personality and haven’t yet realised he doesn’t do very much on a football pitch.