VIDEO: Arsenal new signing Lukas Podolski learning 'London-Slang'

German international Lukas Podolski joined EPL side FC Arsenal in the summer from his home town club FC Cologne. And Poldi as he is fondly called is not known for his language skills, rather the lack of it. Here in this video Arsenal legend Ray Parlour tries to teach Podolski some 'London Slang' and the Kölsche Jung isn't doing too bad...

Reach funny video to watch, not only for Arsenal or Germany fans

FC Cologne confirm Podolski joining FC Arsenal

The transfer of German international Lukas Podolski from his home club FC Cologne (1.FC Köln) to English Premier League side FC Arsenal was finally confirmed by both the clubs yesterday, weeks after the news had first come out in the media of both Germany and England. The exact transfer fee was not disclosed.

FC Cologne will be losing their own son and their identity as many say, but for Podolski personally moving to Arsenal under a coach like Arsene Wenger is a wise career move then moving back to Cologne in 2009 after three years in Bayern Munich has only been about stagnation for a player who should be regularly playing UEFA Champions League.

Podolski with his 18 goals has scored close to half of Cologne's 38 goals this season, but still the club will have to see what happens on the last match day against Bayern Munich and if they can retain the relegation playoff spot.

The timing of the announcement wasn't the best, but what has been this season for FC Cologne. Most likely the announcement was made by the club to give the fans a chance to say goodbye to their local hero at home at the Rhein-Energie Stadion.

About signing for Arsenal Podolski said, "I'm so happy to be joining Arsenal and the Premier League. They are one of the top clubs in Europe with a huge history."

"There are many top-quality players at Arsenal and their style is fantastic," Podolski added.

FC Arsenal are getting a real striker and winger who could be a great addition to Robin van Persie upfront and with Germany team mate Per Mertesacker at Arsenal this should make Podolski's arrival at the Gunners easier then he needs a suitable surrounding to perform.


Here an article I had written a few weeks ago: Could Lukas Podolski succeed at Arsenal?

Could Lukas Podolski succeed at Arsenal?

The transfer of German international Lukas Podolski from his home club FC Cologne (1.FC Köln) to English Premier League side FC Arsenal is according to the German and English media a done deal, only the official confirmation is awaited from the two clubs and the player.

Podolski, who has a contract until summer 2013 at FC Cologne, has been sought after by Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger for quite some time now. He had bid for Podolski last summer and in the winter transfer window, but Cologne and the player did not want to make the transfer happen at the time.

Things have changed over the last few weeks with Podolski no longer happy with the non-existent progress in Cologne and is said to have handed in a transfer request for this summer, which has been accepted by the club. As per reports in the German tabloid Bild the transfer fee is in the region of 13 Million Euros with Podolski set to earn 7 Million Euros at Arsenal.

The question that comes to mind is if Podolski can make it in London? The Gliwice-born (lies in Poland) footballer had joined FC Cologne in 1995 as a youth player, made his professional debut at the club and then went on to play three years in-between from 2006 onwards for FC Bayern Munich, but things didn't work out and he returned to Cologne in 2009 for a fee of 10 Million Euros.

Since then it is said that Podolski can only perform at FC Cologne and for the German national team. But now Podolski, who turns 27 this summer, could opt to try his luck in London where he would find a fellow German international in Per Mertesacker and a manager in Arsene Wenger, who speaks German and is known to handle players very well. It could be the right step to further develop his career.

This season Lukas Podolski is the lifeline of FC Cologne in the Bundesliga relegation battle with the striker having scored 16 of the clubs 31 overall goals. And he has reiterated that he would give everything for the club until the very end, which nobody doubts knowing his affection for the club and the city.

Could Lukas Podolski be leaving FC Cologne?

Lukas Podolski and 1.FC Cologne are something which belong together. The German international has played his best club football for the Rhineland Bundesliga club, but his performances in recent weeks has attracted interest from clubs from across Europe. The names of FC Arsenal, AC Milan and Locomotive Moscow have been mentioned in connection with his name.

Podolski still has a contract until summer 2013 and the club want to extend that contract with the players, who many regard to be today's FC Cologne; but Podolski isn't happy with the clubs development.

Podolski feels the club officials haven't done enough to push to be a club challenging for European competition and if things don't change then he could move away from his beloved FC Cologne.

Another issue which many thought was over and done with, is still in Podolski's mind. The taking away of the captains armband in pre-season by new Norwegian coach Stale Solbakken. Podolski has said that he would have had liked more support from the club management.

Podolski is in great form and he has the triumph cards on his side, then Cologne will surely not want to lose their superstar. But Podolski needs to consider his own personal future in the German national team. Maybe a move to a big European club would be in his interest.

Trouble at FC Cologne as Podolski no longer captain

New Norwegian coach Stale Solbakken has taken a bold decision at Bundesliga side FC Cologne (1.FC Köln) by taking the captaincy away from local hero Lukas Podolski and handing it to Brazilian defender Pedro Geromel. Solbakken only made the official announcement regarding his new captain on Monday, but this story has been making big headlines especially in the local tabloids since Friday.

"I can understand the reactions this decision will provoke and I can understand the disappointment of some fans," the coach told journalists.

"But I ask the fans to understand my decision is for the benefit of the whole team. Pedro Geromel will as captain exemplify the new culture of the team and embody our new overall sporting concept," Solbakken added.

"In my conversations with him, Lukas has expressed his disappointment but at the same time respected and understood the reasons for my decision."

German international Podolski only got the captaincy in January 2011 from former coach Frank Schaefer, but the local boy who has played now 13 seasons from youth over the second team to the first team with only a three year break at FC Bayern Munich in-between, is loyal to his home club. And Podolski has said what an honour it is to wear the Cologne captains armband.

Solbakken thought otherwise, now it will be interesting to see how the very emotional fans in Cologne react to the decision. Solbakken will need success to steem any discontent for this decision.