Lukas Podolski criticizes Arsene Wenger for not showing him respect at Arsenal

Lukas Podolski and Arsene Wenger

Lukas Podolski has criticized Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger for the way the World Cup winner was handled during his time at the club. The German international moved to Inter Milan on loan in the current transfer window after

Wenger did not even say goodbye or call: Podolski

Podolski made just 13 appearances as a Gunner this season, in which he scored three goals but failed to find a permanent place in the starting eleven. The lack of playing time led the 29-year-old move to the Serie A team and he has criticized his former manager for showing a lack of respect by letting him go.

In an interview, Podolski revealed how he was mistreated by Wenger and said: “He said nothing to me. He did not call or say goodbye,”

“I don’t need flowers or a kiss from him. But it is about respect, about saying goodbye. For me, respect is important. I did everything for the club I possibly could have. I don’t believe I did anything wrong. I did not get drunk in a club.

“I wish all of Arsenal and their amazing fans the very best for this season and I see myself as a Gunner.

“(There was) nothing from him (Wenger) to me, but that is his way. He told me he did not want me to go just before the transfer window but never said anything else after that.”

Wenger said I was the best finisher at club: Podolski

Podolski further claimed that he left the Emirates so that he could restart his footballing career. He said: “I had to move forward. I could not wait for 25 injuries (to get a chance to play).

“It is not a problem to sit on the bench, absolutely not. When you have three games in a week and you don’t play, though, you have to think about it.

“I was happy at the club. I played 82 games and I scored 31 goals, plus assists. That’s not bad.

“Wenger said to me I was the best finisher at the club. Let me play then.”

The last straw for the German forward was after he was dropped against Newcastle United on December 13 after scoring twice and playing an important role to set up Arsenal’s 4-1 win against Galatasaray in the Champions League encounter.

“The big moment was after the Champions League,” he said. “I played a very good game against Galatasaray and then I was on the bench again. I knew I had to move.”