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Lukas Podolski has admitted he took some convincing to leave Arsenal for Galatasaray, but that Arsene Wenger made him see his future was not at the Emirates.
The Turkish giants unveiled their latest signing on Saturday, bringing to an end a three year spell at the Emirates that saw Podolski slowly fade from Wenger’s side. However the Germany international admitted it was the manager who helped him see that it was time for a change, even as he admitted he was willing to come back to London.
"After good and open talks with Arsene Wenger I came to the conclusion that a change was the right decision,” Podolski told Bild.
"Galatasaray have tried very hard to get me for five years and in the end, the whole package fitted.
Arsenal players return for pre-season training
"The league is not at the level of the Premier League or the Bundesliga. But Galatasaray is a permanent feature in the Champions League and has stars such as Wesley Sneijder, who are world-renowned.
"Istanbul is a world metropolis and Galatasaray has a very good name in world football."
Though Germany’s third-highest scorer has committed to a three-year deal, with the option for a fourth year, but the striker is already considering his retirement plans.
He added: "When I have fulfilled my contract with Galatasaray completely, I'll be 34 years old, Every career will eventually come to an end, even mine. Still, I can well imagine that I will go on to my home club, Cologne."
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