Podolski set for Arsenal return

Arsenal's German striker has spent time on loan with Inter Milan in Serie A and expects to see his last year of his contract at the Emirates

Podolski set for Arsenal return
Podolski has struggled to make an impact in Serie A
andy-rees
By Andy Rees

Lukas Podolski says he expects to return to Arsenal to see out the last year of his contract.

The 30 year old German striker has spent most of the season on the bench, firstly at Arsenal and then struggled to make much impact on loan at Serie A side Inter Milan.

Inter Milan were not interested in making the move permanent, now Podolski looks set to return to the Emirates for pre-season.

"There's bound to be speculation in the coming weeks, but at the moment it looks like I will be going back to London," Podolski said.

"Things can always change, but if needs be I will remain at Arsenal next season. They are a great club and I think I can help them. I can confirm there has been no interest from Werder Bremen."

Podolski only managed one goal for Inter in Serie A but believes he still has a lot of football left in him.

"You can take experience from everywhere you play abroad, even if it was not my best year from a sporting perspective."

"But I still have many years ahead of me and a burning desire to play football," added the World Cup winner.

Podolski is expected to collect his 124th cap for Germany on Wednesday when they take on the USA and is still highly thought of in their camp.

"In my eyes, he is often underrated," said Germany captain Bastian Schweinsteiger. "He's got fewer grey hairs than me and that's probably because he's had more fun in his life than I've had. He's always in a good mood."

It is still unknown whether he will be part of Arsene Wenger's plans next season, whether he will see the last year of his contract on loan or in the Arsenal wilderness.