​Galatasaray have confirmed that they have completed the signing of Lukas Podolski from FA Cup winners Arsenal.





The club announced on Friday night that the player was to undergo a medical the following morning, and the formalities have now been confirmed. The German World Cup winning forward has signed a three-year contract - with an option for an additional year - with the Turkish outfit and moves for a fee of £2.8m.









Upon his arrival, he told the press he could have moved to Turkey last year, but felt that the time was now right to leave Arsenal. He said: "Galatasaray also made proposals in the past year. But this year there was more intense interest. My parents wanted me to come here.





"Galatasaray were champions last year. We will play to be champions in the coming years, we're looking to get to the next level.





"I've followed Galatasaray for a long time. I know there's a great atmosphere in the stadium. Galatasaray fans have given me so much attention and are excited about me. This is a big factor in my decision-making."

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Podolski moved to Arsenal from German side FC Koln in 2012 for a reported £11m and scored 31 goals in 82 appearances for the Gunners. He helped the club win the FA Cup in 2013, though fell out-of-favour at the Emirates Stadium last season. He made just a handful of appearances before the club sent him out on loan to Italian outfit Inter Milan.





The 30-year-old returned to the Emirates at the end of last season hoping for another chance to prove himself at Arsenal, but after receiving news from Arsene Wenger that there was no place for him in the first team, Podolski took the opportunity to move on.





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