Quotes from Lukas Podolski

Mr. Wenger could have moved on to another club, I am sure, but instead chose to stay and build something over the long term. He lives and dies by his own ideas, and Arsenal is his baby.

When you are a footballer, you will not always play 90 minutes. Sometimes you are not happy, but this is not important for me.

I am strong enough, and I have qualities, and when good players come in, I will play with good players.

If I come on for 10 minutes and play well, I can't go home and tell everyone, 'I played a great 10 minutes.' I have to play the full 90.

Arsene Wenger is a good guy and a good coach.

Every season, players come in and players go, but I think it is good news if top players come in.

Saying goodbye is very emotional.

I can't express in words my gratitude towards Arsenal fans for all they have done for me in my years in London.

Back home in Germany, football people think very highly of Arsene Wenger. They listen to what he has to say and admire his achievements.

Going from a two-year-old Polish boy, who practically came to Germany with nothing more than a football under his arm, to a world champion - it's more than I could have ever imagined.

Every tournament and every international game played gives you additional experience which brings you forward, both on the pitch and off it, but there is nothing more special than playing a World Cup on home soil.

When you are in the World Cup, you must focus on seven matches and not losing any.

People in England have a lot of respect. It is relaxed here.

I had other interesting offers, but for me, it had to be a top club. When you look at Arsenal, with a fantastic manager, good environment, and never any bad press surrounding the club, they are playing attractive football and have a great stadium with great fans.

I know I have a left foot that was probably gifted to me by God, or someone up there, and I can always rely on it.

When I'm on the pitch, I'm happy. I can shut everything else out.

Football in Japan is highly looked upon, even more than in the rest of Asia.

Arsenal is a very big team, and we want to win trophies.

I have played on the left for Koln sometimes and the national team; it is not something special.

Football is like recreation for me. I'd sooner be playing five-a-side than going out to eat or shopping.

Spain and England have great leagues, and it would be nice to play there when the time comes.

When I went to Munich, I was perhaps a little too young.

I am pleased for Poland as a country, that new motorways are being constructed, new businesses, new stadiums.

I am no longer 20 or 21 years old, so I cannot afford to sit around waiting for my chance. I am 29 years old, and I want to play, play, and play. I am not crazy; I don't want to sit in the stands.