Inter manager Roberto Mancini welcomes Lukas Podolski to the Serie A

Published: 5 January, 2015
By GEOFFREY SAWYER

ARSENAL forward Lukas Podolski has signed for Inter Milan in a loan deal for the rest of the season.

The move, confirmed by the Gunners today (Monday), came just days after manager Arsene Wenger described the growing rumours surrounding the deal as a 'joke'.

On December 30, Wenger told a press conference: "I want him to stay," adding that a move to Serie A was "a joke" and that "Inter Milan is not serious".

But today, Arsenal said in an official statement: "Lukas Podolski has completed a move to Inter Milan on loan for the remainder of the 2014/15 season. The 29-year-old forward has scored 31 goals in 82 appearances for Arsenal since arriving from Cologne in the summer of 2012. This term, he has made two starts and 11 substitute outings for the Gunners, netting three times. A World Cup winner with Germany last summer, Podolski became the youngest ever European to reach the 100-cap mark for his country during Euro 2012. Everyone at Arsenal would like to wish Lukas the best for his time in Serie A."

Podolski, a fans favourite for his incessant use of social media, said in an Instagram message to Arsenal supporters: "I can’t express in words my gratitude towards Arsenal fans for all they have done for me in my years in London. Please know my heart always holds a place for you. I’ve loved every minute playing for Arsenal and I hope I have left my mark on the club and fans alike. Hopefully we shall meet again.”