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.

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.