Football-Arsenal’s Podolski holidays here |11 July 2012

The 26-year-old arrived here on Sunday and flew straight to one of the inner islands where he will be relaxing after a hard season with FC Cologne in the German Bundesliga and the German national team.

Born in Poland, Podolski, who signed for the Gunners for around £11 million in April, will play alongside France international Olivier Giroud signed in June from Ligue 1 champions Montpellier.

The two are expected to create a potent attacking force for manager Arsene Wenger’s team who are likely to lose prolific striker Robin Van Persie who has refused to commit his future at the Emirates. Netherlands star striker Van Persie scored a league-leading 30 goals in the Premier league last season as he wore the captain’s armband.

While Frenchman Giroud netted 26 times for Montpellier last season, Podolski enjoyed a superb season in the Bundesliga, scoring 18 goals in 29 appearances despite FC Cologne’s relegation from the top flight.

Arsenal star midfielder Aaron Ramsey has backed Podolski and Giroud to be a success for the Gunners.

“They are great additions to the squad,” the midfielder said.
“Hopefully they can do their bit for the team and hopefully we can have a big season.”
On signing for Arsenal, Podolski said: “The move to Arsenal provides a great opportunity for me to gain experience in international competitions at a top European club.”

Known for his strong shot, technique and probing attacks from the left side, the left-footed German international striker started his career at Cologne in 1995 before rejoining them in 2009 after an unhappy three-year (2006-2009) spell at Bayern Munich.

Since making his international debut for Germany under coach Rudi Völler on June 6, 2004, at age 19 against Hungary, Podolski has gone on to play 100 times for his country and he reached the milestone against Denmark during last month’s Euro 2012.

He scored three goals for Germany in the Fifa 2006 World Cup as the nationalmanschaft finished third. He achieved the same result at the Fifa 2010 World Cup. At the UEFA Euro 2008, Podolski and Germany finished as runners-up, but they lost in the semifinal at Euro 2012.

The player with 101 caps and 44 goals for Germany was the Fifa World Cup 2006 best young player, won the EUFA Euro 2008 silver boot and was selected on the UEFA Euro 2008 team of the tournament. 
G. G.