Arsenal forward confident of silverware

Lukas Podolski dreams big

By Zain Alvi | 17th May 2012

Arsene Wenger’s negotiations to retain the services of skipper Robin van Persie did not go ideally today but the club’s new forward Lukas Podolski is confident about the club’s silverware prospects in the near future.

Podolski’s signing was confirmed towards the end of last month before he was even done playing in the Bundesliga with FC Cologne.

However, the Germany international wasted no time after Cologne’s relation and arrived in the English capital for his unveiling earlier this week.

Amid concerns that Arsenal will continue to struggle for trophies if van Persie leaves the club, Podolski has vowed to fight for glory with his new teammates.

“It won’t be easy as the Premier League is quite well balanced, certainly across the top six teams who are all very strong. It will be difficult,” Podolski admitted in an interview with Arsenal Player.

He then added: “But I have joined to win titles and trophies – that is my target. I’m confident and I will do my very best to be successful with Arsenal.”

Commenting specifically about Arsenal’s overall potential – with or without the massive contribution of RvP, Podolski maintained a confident approach.

“Arsenal are a very disciplined team; they play great football with excellent passing and they are really good to watch on television. I’m excited to be part of this team now, playing that way and making the supporters happy,” the forward elaborated.

Alluding to the versatility within the club, he continued: “Robin van Persie has had such a brilliant season – it has been great to watch. Then there is Per Mertesacker who I know well, and I have also been impressed with the performances of Wojciech Szczesny in goal.

“Of course Tomas Rosicky has had a very good season. But there are many great players at Arsenal and I’m looking forward to meeting all of my new teammates.”

As a prodigal 21-year old European talent, Podolski made a high-profile move from Cologne to Bayern Munich in 2006. However, after three seasons with the Bavarian side, he returned to Cologne rather than pursuing greater challenges.

That decision has questioned widely across European football but given that he is only entering his prime now, the player is not bothered by any delay in his move to the English top flight.

“For me it doesn’t really matter when you take such a step in your career, whether it is now or a few years earlier. It’s difficult to say when the time is right. But I’m now 26, and nearly 27, so this step in my career might just be the right time to do it,” he concluded.