Lukas Podolski says Arsene Wenger talks led to Arsenal departure

Galatasaray's new signing Lukas Podolski says talks with Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger eventually signalled the end of his North London career.

The Germany international has signed a three-year deal with the Turkish giants with an option for an additional year.

Podolski spent three years at Arsenal but served the second half of his final season on loan at Inter Milan, after the arrivals of Danny Welbeck and Alexis Sanchez saw his first team opportunities dwindle.

And the 30 year old says frank discussions with Wenger over his future led to his departure from Arsenal after years of being tracked by Galatasaray.

"After good and open talks with Arsene Wenger, I came to the conclusion that a change was the right decision," he told Sport Bild according to Goal.com.

"Galatasaray have tried very hard to get me for five years and, in the end, the whole package fitted.

"The league is not at the level of the Premier League or the Bundesliga but Galatasaray are a permanent feature in the Champions League and have stars, such as Wesley Sneijder, who are world-renowned.

"Istanbul is a world metropolis and Galatasaray have a very good name in world football."

With 31 goals across his three seasons at Arsenal, Podolski made a decent contribution to the club despite not winning a single major honour with the Gunners, having not played a role in either of their FA Cup successes.

And the ex-Bayern Munich forward paid tribute the his former teammates at Arsenal and the fans, who be believes are the best in England, adding that the club can stage a bid for the Premier League title this season.

"Over the last three years I've had the pleasure of working with some amazing people at Arsenal," he wrote on Twitter.

"I want to thank everyone from all the staff behind the scenes to the manager and my team mates, who have all helped make London a second home to me.

"To the fans...The best fans in England, who have supported myself and the team no matter what, you will forever hold a special place in my heart and I will forever be a Gunner!

"I am confident that next season the team will be challenging for that league title and I will be watching on as a fan! COYG."