LONDON, January 9 – Lukas Podolski has accused Arsène Wenger of a lack of respect following the striker’s departure from Arsenal during the January transfer window.
Podolski, who joined the club for £11m from Cologne in 2012 but who has now left on loan for Internazionale, said that the Arsenal manger did not get in contract or say goodbye to the departing striker.
Speaking to the Sun, Podolski said: “He [Wenger] said nothing to me. He did not call me 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. Maybe he had other problems with me.”
The German World Cup winner, who revealed that he had offers from other clubs but opted for Roberto Mancini’s side following advice from the Brazil legend Ronaldo, said that Wenger had told him before the transfer window opened that he did not want him to leave the club.
Podolski said he was happy in north London but felt he was not given a fair hearing by Wenger: “When you don’t get a chance you cannot show what you can do and the last five months I hardly played.”
Podolski has made just two starts this season, neither of which came in the Premier League, and said he knew his future lay away from the club when he scored twice against Galatasaray but failed to make the starting 11 for the next game against Newcastle.
Podolski came off the bench to make his debut for the Italian club in their midweek game against Juventus which ended in a 1-1 draw.
