Ex-Arsenal star Lukas Podolski joins Antalyaspor

The German forward returns to Turkish football with resort town club Antalyaspor after a short stint with Japan’s Vissel Kobe.

German striker Lukas Podolski has agreed to a one-and-a-half year deal with Turkish Super Lig’s Antalyaspor.

The 34-year-old arrived in Antalya on Sunday and was received with a warm welcome by a massive crowd of passionate Antalyaspor fans.

Known to be a fan of Turkish tea, Podolski stopped for a few moments to drink tea as he made his way through the airport shortly after his arrival in Antalya.

Podolski offered tea in Antalya on Sunday, January 19.

The deal marks a return to Turkey for Podolski who played for Galatasaray from 2015 until 2017 before leaving to sign a deal with Japanese football club Vissel Kobe.

The J-League club paid Galatasaray €2.6 million for his transfer in March 2017.

In July 2015, Podolski joined Galatasaray from Arsenal and was a key figure in the first team as The Lions won the 2015-2016 Turkish Super Lig title.

He also went on to win two Turkish Super Cups with Cim Bom during his time with the club.