Podolski eager to play for Wenger

By ESPNSTAR.com staff

The Germany international is currently with the national side as they prepare for their Euro 2012 quarter-final match against Greece on Thursday. With less than two weeks left till the end of the tournament, Arsenal fans are eager to welcome their newest signing to the Emirates stadium. 

Podolski, who made his 100th international appearance for Die Mannschaft on Sunday, revealed to the club website that the opportunity to work with Wenger had been crucial in convincing him to make the switch to the Premier League. 

He had told reporters earlier that he had "nothing to prove" to his new manager but he is still keen to work with the Frenchman, who he holds in high esteem. 

Wenger also spoke to the ex-Cologne striker in German ahead of his move and he was happy to have received such personal attention by the Premier League-winning coach. 

"He has been a very successful coach both in Europe and around the world," Podolski told the Official Arsenal Magazine. 

"This definitely helped in making my decision.

"He speaks several languages, and German in particular, which is very helpful. 

"We have spoken to each other on the telephone a few times, which was very good and also made my decision even easier."

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The 27-year-old also confessed that he was excited about the prospect of working alongside compatriot Per Mertesacker at the club. 

"I speak to Per whenever we meet," he added. 

"Per has mentioned things about the club's organisation, the training ground and the fans, and this has really helped.

"It might have influenced me to a certain extent, but in the end of course I took the decision to come here myself."

Podolski is also confident that he will not become one of those Premier League imports who struggle to adapt to the physical and demanding nature of English football.

"I do think that the Bundesliga has done a lot of catching up in recent years and is no longer that far away from the highest level," he explained. 

"But England still has the strongest and most attractive league in my opinion.

"The Premier League has very good stadiums, and the stronger clubs as a whole, and I'm sure I'm going to be involved in some exciting matches.

"I think I will adapt relatively quickly. I'm a player who plays in a similar style. 

"They play fast in England, score lots of goals, there are tough battles. 

"I enjoy this style of football, so from that point of view, I think I will become accustomed to it all in a fairly short time."

Podolski was signed for £12 million before the culmination of the 2011-12 season and remains the north London club's only summer acquisition so far. Arsenal are said to be in talks with Montpellier striker Olivier Giroud who looks set to join the Gunners in the coming days.