One of the benefits of international games is that players often open up more to reporters in their own country than they do with the English media.
Invariably they say something truthful and controversial and then have to backtrack and deny it. Usually with the phrase “what I meant was lost in translation”.
The latest player to get himself in trouble is Arsenal striker Lukas Podolski who last week was quoted on Calciomercatonews.com saying:
“I have not spoken with any club about my future. But I can say that the interest of clubs like Juventus is an honour for me.”
Podolski then had to come out today and deny that is what he said telling Sky Sports:
“Firstly, I cannot help it that clubs are interested in me,” Podolski said in response to talks of an impending transfer. ”And there are always people behind the scenes who want to float something in this business.
“Secondly, any interest makes me proud because it is a recognition of my performance in London. It is unlikely [that I will leave] because, at the club and in the town, I feel really comfortable.
“As a player you have peace and quiet. I appreciate that very much. Therefore, I can honestly say: I am not preparing for any change.”
There is no doubt that Podolski has been a major disappointment for Arsenal this season. He hasn’t scored a Premier League goal for Arsenal since the beginning of February and has only managed to complete the full 90 minutes in six of his 25 league appearances.
The problem with Podolski is that he does not score often enough to be a striker and it not creative enough to play in midfield. When he wants goal, Arsene Wenger seems to prefer Gervinho over Podolski and Cazorla is always going to get the nod over him in midfield. So it is difficult to see where Podolski fits into the Arsenal system when everyone is fit.
