Lukas Podolski has been named the new captain of J1 League side Vissel Kobe.

Podolski joined Vissel Kobe from Galatasaray in July 2017.

After half a season at the club, where he scored five goals in 15 league appearances, he’s become the new captain.

That’s according to Kölner Stadt-Anzeiger, who report Podolski as saying: “Being a captain is a big responsibility. The most important thing will be to deliver results.” 

Podolski helped his side to a ninth placed finish in the J1 League last season.

Now entering his first full season in Japan, the 32-year-old will aiming to lead them up the table.

Teammate Daiya Maekawa seems pleased with Podolski’s appointment as captain.

https://twitter.com/daiya61/status/959348844487065601

“Master and apprentice. I would like to learn from you,” he tweeted.

Podolski left Arsenal in 2015 after scoring 31 goals in 82 appearances for the club.

He spent time on loan at Inter Milan before spending two years in Turkey with Galatasaray.

He then opted to move to Japan for the final part of his career.

Evidently, he’s proven to be a popular figure in Kobe, who will want to take full advantage of his wealth of experience.