Farewell Lukas Podolski! Big Sol – the best defensive signing by Arsene Wenger?

Morning all.

Back in 2001 and on this very day, Big Sol switched North London Clubs and became an Arsenal player. That didn’t go down very well with the neighbours did it and what a cheeky move by Arsene Wenger eh and probably one of the best defenders he’s signed during his time as Arsenal manager.

Galatasaray have completed the signing of Arsenal’s Lukas Podolski on a 3-year deal for €4 million according to Bild.

Lukas Podolski has had an odd Arsenal career really. He arrived in the summer when RvP jumped ship and great things were expected by many but he’s not really lived up to those expectations has he? He possesses one of the best left feet in the game I’d say but that’s been about it. He’s not a workhorse and unlike Santi Cazorla who has learned how to put a shift in during a game, the German international couldn’t or simply wouldn’t.

So it’s onto pastures new for him it seems and I wish him well, he’s quite a character really and when he orchestrated the bumps for Arsenal Wenger a couple of years ago and the other FA Cup celebrations, he sure gave us something to chuckle about…

Good luck Lukas!

Looks like he’s not the only one heading out the door this summer, that’s if we are to believe what’s written in The Sun this morning and I mean the newspaper, not the big thing shining in the sky!

David Ospina, Mathieu Flamini, Joel Campbell, Yaya Sanogo and Carl Jenkinson could also be sold in order to make room for a few more summer additions. Goodness only knows who those additions will be but I just hope they are good, darn good!

Seeing as we have been talking about Highbury of late and how we don’t have a single player left in the squad who experienced playing at such a wonderful ground, have you any idea who said this back in 2007 having long departed?

When asked if he still kept an eye on all things Arsenal, he replied:

Yes of course, as much as possible. I have really great memories of being an Arsenal player. They were my first team in Europe and they gave me an opportunity to play for one of the best teams in the world. Being there for two years was a great pleasure for me and I still have a great feeling for the club.

I try to watch the big games from the Premier League, especially if Arsenal are playing of course. As for the supporters, I will never forget them. The atmosphere in the stadiums in England was always incredible.

I’ll never forget Highbury – it was something very different to playing in Brazil. And the fans were very kind to me – they made me a tape of Arsenal songs which I still have.

I’ll give you a clue. We beat Tottenham to his signature, he stayed with us for two seasons and he was Arsenal’s first ever Brazilian. Well as far as I know…. 😉

Ok, it’s easy isn’t it, so easy you don’t need me to tell you…

Finally, a word for James Ward who yesterday reached the 3rd round of Wimbledon for the first time in his life but beating a guy ranked much higher than him. Why the mention? Well, a few years ago he sold his Arsenal season ticket in order to fund his career in tennis and we all like to back a Gooner don’t we?

I loved his comments after the game:

Winning the third round would probably be like Arsenal winning the league next year, to be honest.

After that, we start thinking about Champions League finals! But let’s think about Saturday first.

Good luck to him I say….

That’s it from me for a few days, have a great Friday and good luck to Alexis in the Copa America Cup Final which takes place tomorrow…

35 thoughts on “Farewell Lukas Podolski! Big Sol – the best defensive signing by Arsene Wenger?

  1. rogerbij says:

    Ha, so I remembered the commentary differently, but that was his goal was versus Chelsea 2000/2001. “Astonishing”

  2. scottfromoz says:

    RIP PHIL Walsh.
    Coach of the Adelaide Crows……an AFL side.
    Stabbed by his son.
    I can not even try to understand what could make a son do this.
    Forget his profession, Phil Wals was simply a good man.
    Morning all.
    Lucas Podolski……….
    I was a massive fan before we signed him.
    Funnily enough, after want him more regularly, my opinion of him diminished.
    I believe he has the best left leg in world football, and plenty of natural ability, but he showed he was simply a lazy player.
    12-18 months ago, we had him, and we had Santi.
    Their work ethics were similar.
    Santi changed his attitude, and is now one of the very best midfielders in the world.
    Lukas didn’t.
    Still, he loved the club and it’s fans so let’s hope he succeeds wherever he goes.

  3. Dublingunner says:

    Morning, rico enjoy your hols, must say you had me stumped at first, I named all the Brazilians except this player, took over from Winterburn and was later replaced by cashley, went on to a better career elsewhere. A headline this morning that took particular interest is Carzorla goin to Athletico, that story is not goin away, with a year left on his contract, that could happen. If Wenger has plans to bring in Turan, it would more than soften the blow.

  4. Marshall says:

    Morning Rico and fellow gooners, I think that was Silvinho guy- unfortunately What tough luck we’ve got with Brazilian players eh.

    Goodluck to prince Poldi. Loved his attitude and his enthuthiasism (off the pitch)

  5. bondex says:

    Morning all ,Rico……if podoslki had put in more effort for the team,he might have achieved more with us?

  6. Brian Price says:

    Hi Rico
    You are right about Lucas, all the right skills but didn’t try (most of the time). There were a few games where he checked back and defended like a hero, but not many – I think he must have taken a dislike to the right winger or something. A shame, he had a lethal left foot.

    Brian

  7. allezkev says:

    Silvinho, and but for passport cock-ups we almost got Edmilson as well…

    Bloody Home Office.

  8. Dublingunner says:

    Had to laugh at the Van Persie story, was it really worth selling his soul to the devil for one season, When he could of became a true Arsenal legend. On sylvinho, what a career, he went on and won, 3 league titles and 2 champions leagues with barca, not bad eh, forgot he ended up at city later, for a season.

  9. Wath says:

    Morning All,

    Kev, Think you’ll find Sylvino had a bit of a dodgy passport as well which was a big reason behind us letting him go…!

    Happy Hols Rico, Now I have to keep Micko in check for the next ten days…

  10. Bob John says:

    Hi Rico
    Enjoy your holidays. Flamini definitely played at Highbury before leaving and returning so he is still a current squad member who played there.
    The Brazilian comments sound like Edu to me

  11. Canadian Gooner says:

    bondex – That seems like Judas Van Pursestrings’ bad karma is catching up with him. It couldn’t happen to a more deserving person.

    He could have been an Arsenal legend, possibly with a statue outside the Ems, instead of the detested and reviled figure that he is to many/most Arsenal supporters.

  12. Dublingunner says:

    That rumour broke yesterday evening CG, Its amazing how many former players, given the chance would love to come back, thankfully Wenger normally says “do one”, to those players, and Nasri should be no exception, Hell,” if he refused to bring Fabregas back. I would say there,s not a hope in hell he would bring Nasri back.

  13. Hell Raising Devil says:

    Good Afternoon Lovlies and hunkies.

    Good post Rico.

    RVP and Nasri do have a point though. Infact they should stick it upright in the grass and sit on it. It should fit in nicely.

    Bob John…..you are right about Flamini. Must have escaped my attention. Flamini did play at Highbury between 2004 and 2006. He was bought after the invincibles season.

    so we should ship him out I say.

    Scott, I read about Phil Walsh. Poor fella. Seems the son was not right in the head. Even the mum did not escape his attentions.

  14. Canadian Gooner says:

    Dublin – I think $amir Na$ti would be poison to the harmony in Arsenal’s team. He is, to my mind, one of the most unpopular players with his team mates for both club and country. I’m amazed one of them hasn’t shown the little viper the error of his ways.

  15. Hell Raising Devil says:

    Its not just a snap Scott. Its an accumulation. From what I read, his son was a lay about who did nothing but stay at home. To conclude…..he did not have any motivation in life….a situation which is all too prevalent in today’s youths. They prefer to stay at home doing nothing. they begin by killing time and eventually either they kill someone or in the end they kill themselve.

  16. Hell Raising Devil says:

    We have today received notification from the Premier League that the following games involving Arsenal have been rescheduled as a result of TV selections:

    Arsenal v West Ham United
    Sunday, August 9, 2015
    Kick Off 1.30pm
    Live on Sky TV

    Crystal Palace v Arsenal
    Sunday, August 16, 2015
    Kick Off 1.30pm
    Live on Sky TV

    Arsenal v Liverpool
    Monday, August 24, 2015
    Kick Off 8pm
    Live on Sky TV

    Newcastle United v Arsenal
    Saturday, August 29, 2015
    Kick Off 12.45pm
    Live on BT Sport

    Chelsea v Arsenal
    Saturday, September 19, 2015
    Kick Off 12.45pm
    Live on BT Sport

  17. MikeS says:

    How many fantastic goals did they score last season! How good was Sanchez in his first season!! Didn’t really how good Giroud’s goals were as well. Can’t wait for next season

  18. Wath says:

    Morning you lot, nothing much going on in the world of Arsenal, need a pint of GG to get some inspiration and then I’ll put up todays post…!

    Kev get the bacon sandwiches on mate……

  19. allezkev says:

    Still waiting for the post…. Zzzzzzzz

    I ate your bacon sandwich Wath, it was delicious, brown sauce, hmmm… 😛

  20. allezkev says:

    Petr Cech is talking in terms of playing until he is at least 40 years of age…

    For a quality goalkeeper, that’s quite normal.

    And so, if Cech keeps his form and fitness up to the required level for us, it’s possible that he’ll be our No.1 for the next 6 or 7 years…

    Therefore Szczesny really is close to the end of his Arsenal career and our No.2 goalkeeper could well be Martinez in 12 months time?

  21. Wath says:

    You’re such a greedy sod Grandad, I specifically pt in an order for a bacon sarnie and you scoff it…! Last I take you to bingo on a sunday…!

    No drinking on duty, It would be rude not to lol

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