Arsenal fan favourite and Galatasaray forward Lukas Podolski has confirmed that he will join the Japanese side Vissel Kobe.
The former Germany international broke the news on his official Instagram page while Galatasaray also released a statement on their official website confirming the news.
Podolski stated that he wanted a new challenge and that he will explain his decision to leave Galatasaray at a later date.
The 31-year-old uploaded a photo of himself to Instagram and included the following caption, “I can confirm that at the end of this season I will join Vissel Kobe from the J-League in Japan.”
“It’s not a decision against Galatasaray, it’s a decision I made for a new challenge, and I will explain more when the time is right. But right now my only focus is helping Galatasaray and our fantastic fans!”
Podolski made the move to Arsenal from FC Köln back in 2012 but failed to nail down a starting place. He later spent an unsuccessful season on loan at Inter before joining Galatasaray in July 2015.
The versatile forward has won two Turkish Super Cups and the Turkish League cup during his spell with the Istanbul giants.
Podolski has scored 14 goals and provided six assists in 21 apperances for Galatasaray this season. However, only four of the goals have come in the Turkish Super League.
