Lukas Podolski has revealed that Galatasaray’s offer ‘seduced’ him from the very first moment he heard it, admitting that he had expected to be at Arsenal before the move happened very quickly.
Farmed out on loan for the second half of last season, it was clear to most that the German’s time at the club had come to an end, but in an interview with AS ahead of the Turks Champions League game v Atletico Madrid, Poldi explains that he expected to be returning to Arsenal.
“I planned to be joining Arsenal on July 10, but during those days everything went very quickly,” he said.
“[There was] a movement from the club and then we agreed.
“I received offers from many clubs, but Galatasaray’s proposal seduced me from the first moment.
“The president and the coach handed me their trust during negotiations. Istanbul is a beautiful city, my family is very happy here.
“Frankly, the Turkish league is not at the same level as the Premier [League], but Galatasaray is always present in the Champions League and has such important players like Sneijder.
“Istanbul is a historical, universal city, and Galatasaray is a very prestigious club in the world.
“I received several very important offers, but chose to go to Galatasaray because it is a very respectable club around the world.
“I am very happy because this has given me a great responsibility.
Podolski’s transfer to Galatasaray was completed on 4th July for an initial fee of £1.8m but it is also reported that they will pay £2.1m per season for the next three years after the first season meaning that Arsenal will actually receive £8.1m for a player who only had one year left on his contract and cost the club a rumoured £10m.
Not bad business at all.