• Premier League

Podolski has no intention of leaving Arsenal

ESPN staff
May 26, 2014
Lukas Podolski's season was hampered by injury © Getty Images
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Lukas Podolski has brushed aside recent speculation of a move away from Arsenal by insisting his future is at the Emirates.

In April, the 28-year-old admitted he could be interested in a move back to his former side Cologne after joining his old side to celebrate the club's promotion back to the Bundesliga. However, Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger insists Podolski is a part of his plans.

And Podolski says he will not be leaving Arsenal, telling reporters at Germany's World Cup training camp in Italy: "As things stand today, I am an Arsenal player [and] it won't change.

"Going to London was the right step. I had the chance to go to a big club and to play in the strongest league in the world. I am happy in the city, in the league, in the club. Those two years have been outstanding for me."

Podolski, who scored 12 goals during a campaign plighted by injury, says he is "satisfied" with the season he has had after helping Arsenal end their nine-year run without a trophy by triumphing in the FA Cup.

"If my bad injury hadn't stopped me for almost five months, it would have been a better season again," he said.

"Nevertheless, I am satisfied. In the end, I was a regular starter, scored eight goals and had four assists in the league. It's nothing to sneeze at.

"I am not someone that reduces himself only to the titles he won. Lukas Podolski doesn't change because he won a title but, of course, a title is something awesome - even more if it's in a foreign country and in such an important competition.

"Especially from the aspect that Arsenal hadn't won anything for nine years, this success was something special."

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