Arsenal attacker Lukas Podolski has enjoyed his first season with the Gunners after making the transition from the Bundesliga last summer, and the now-fit winger wants to help elevate his new club into the top four.
Since swapping Cologne for North London last year Podolski has scored an impressive 12 goals and made 10 assists for Arsene Wenger’s side, but he wants to further add to his debut tally in the upcoming vital ties that should see him restored to the team lineup.
The German international has barely featured of late struggling with injuries leading up to the international break, and despite being fit recently he has been a victim of the excellent form of Tomas Rosicky and Santi Cazorla, but the 27-year-old is eager to mark his impression in the Gunners remaining fixtures and help them achieve Champions League qualification for next season.
He told the official matchday programme as published on Arsenal’s official website:
I did well earlier in the season, then had an injury which put me out for a few weeks, but now I’m back and hope to play a big part in the final run of matches. But it is the coach’s decision, of course.
Overall I am happy. You must remember I came from a team [Cologne] that was going down, and it wasn’t so easy to come straight to a big club and be strong. But I believe I have the quality to play in every game here and think I have done well until now.
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I’ve scored some goals and made assists, so I am content. But I’ll be happiest if we can make the Champions League, because every player – and every team – wants to play at that level.
The crowd favourite also expressed his love for England football fantatics and the Arsenal faithful who have made him feel welcome since the transition from Germany to the United Kingdom.
He continued:
I enjoy it here. The supporters in England are very good – the Arsenal fans of course, but the others too. Everywhere I go they’re happy, funny and friendly. I feel very good here, both in the stadium and out of it.
At away matches, I see our away support, three or four thousand people, and the atmosphere they make – I feel proud of them, and of the Club.
It is important to talk to them and I like writing a few things on Twitter, taking photos, things like that. I have fun and hopefully people enjoy it.
Podolski is an important player for the Gunners has enjoyed a fruitful first season. He is in contention for starting in this weekends must-win fixture against Norwich City with the in-form Rosicky a major doubt possibly allowing Cazorla to shift centrally once again and leave the door open for ‘Prince Poldi’ to come in on the left. Wilshere could also be thrown into the mix which could be detrimental to the German’s involvement, however the Englishman should not be rushed into action. We all would like to see some consistency from Podolski who sometimes flutters in and out of games, and who better to demonstrate in a home game against the Canaries!
Common you Gunners! 3 goals, 3 points. Minimum.
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