Lukas Podolski may consider leaving Arsenal over lack of playing time
Arsenal forward Lukas Podolski is upset over his lack of playing time and could leave the team in January, according to The Guardian.
The 29-year-old German forward has been pushed into a reserve role for the Gunners this season, starting just once for Arsenal and playing in seven other matches as a substitute.
“I am not happy with the situation at the moment. It would be wrong to suggest that I am,” Podolski said. “I still have fun playing football but when the competitive element of it is taken away from me, the one I enjoy so much, then I am not happy.
“I have to think about what will happen this winter and will look to hold talks with the club.”
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Arsenal signed Podolski in August 2012. He had spent the previous 10 years playing in Germany’s Bundesliga with FC Cologne and Bayern Munich.
A member of Germany’s World Cup-winning side in Brazil this summer, Podolski did not play in Arsenal’s 2-1 loss at Swansea on Sunday and did not enter a 3-3 UEFA Champions League draw against Anderlecht on Nov. 4 until the 81st minute.
He scored his only goal this year for Arsenal in the Gunners’ 2-1 Champions League win at Anderlecht on Oct. 22.
The forward attempted to sign with another club during the summer transfer window, but he said he did not receive any offers from other teams, according to The Guardian.
When asked why he isn't playing more with Arsenal, Podolski said, "I don’t know why that is, one has to ask the manager back in England."
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- Phil Watson
