Arriving to the Emirates in 2012 from FC Koln, German international Lukas Podolski quickly became a fan favourite for Gooners all around the world. His wit and sense of humor seemed to always put a smile on team-mates, coaches and fans – even when Arsenal seemed to be down and out. His contributions go much farther than just maintaining great moral throughout his brief tenure at the Emirates, netting 19 emphatic goals in just 60 appearances for the Gunners. Podolski’s contract at Arsenal has been cut short with a mid-season transfer to Inter Milan.
With Podolski’s arrival in Milan, Inter looks to their new striker for a resurgence in the Serie A table, where the black and blue stripes currently sit in 11th place. The World Cup winner demanded more minutes under Arsene Wenger, but the Frenchman found the German lefty behind an in-form Alexis Sanchez, a speedy Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, a creative Mesut Ozil, and a shifty Santi Cazorla – that’s before you even mention Danny Welbeck and Theo Walcott.
Not only was Lukas Podolski a great player, but he was a devoted Gunner. Podolski insisted that “hell would freeze over” before he would play for Tottenham, Arsenal’s biggest rival. He was also tweeted by a young fan asking, “If you had a choice, would you rather play for Tottenham or retire?”
“Retire.”
One of Lukas Podolski’s most memorable moments at the Emirates came during a Champions League clash with Montpellier FC on November 21, 2012. Podolski’s goal helped the Gunners defeat the French Ligue 1 Champions 2-0, pushing Arsenal through to the Round of 16.
With Podolski’s departure from the Emirates, Arsenal need to sign a centre-back and a defensive midfielder in order to bolster the Gunners struggling back-line. Although a world-class striker like PSG’s Edison Cavani would be promising, the Gunners need depth on their back-line to counter the injury plague sweeping north London this campaign. Potential January transfers include Sami Khedira, Morgan Schneiderlin, Mats Hummels, Ilkay Gundogan, and William Carvalho.
One last time for Podolski . . . AHA!
Click below to watch the Premier League LIVE!
It is a shame to see Podolski leave but it is expected. Wenger does not rotate his players enough, and is unable to get the best out of the team. Yes, Arsenal have the infrastructure (stadium, finances, and the like) to be considered a top club, but lack the aptitude, creativity and foresight to compete against teams that have grit, and the insight of managers that are constantly evolving, and pushing the game to the next level. Wenger argue that his critics are people who never managed a team. His excuses are simply getting old, as are his tactic. Where is the courage to do the right thing?