Arsene Wenger is responsible for sounding out some of Arsenal’s greatest-ever players.
The Frenchman uncovered a vast array of talent during his 22-year tenure in North London.
From Thierry Henry to Alexis Sanchez, Wenger signed and unearthed some true Premier League greats however, some have been less inspiring.
Weaved between those who made a resounding impact and those who did not are a group of players who will forever be remembered for their contribution to Arsenal, despite failing to dazzle on the pitch.
What Lukas Podolski is doing now
When looking back, the 2012 summer transfer window was an important time in the Emirates era, as Wenger welcomed some now household names.
Olivier Giroud, Santi Cazorla and Lukas Podolski arrived at the club, each leaving years later with a unique story to reflect on in North London.
The latter had the shortest stint at Arsenal, as Podolski spent three years on the club’s books before leaving but, the Germany international has not been easily forgotten.
Whether it be Podolski’s celebration at White Hart Lane or the fact that the forward was a World Cup winner whilst at Arsenal, the 39-year-old ensured he left a legacy in N5.
Fast forward to almost ten years after his Emirates departure and Podolski is making the headlines for very different reasons, as the retired goalscorer now owns a chain of kebab shops.
In 2018, Podolski’s company Mangal Doner opened in Cologne and has since grown throughout Germany.
The Sun published a report on Podolski’s success as a kebab shop owner, citing that the former Gunner’s net worth had risen to nearly £180m.
Some players go on to coaching and others take on other interests, which aside from Podolski is notable at Arsenal as Stephan Lichtsteiner is now a watchmaker.
Arsene Wenger was a fan of Podolski
Podolski left his mark at Arsenal and now, is hoping to inspire in the food industry, watching his business flourish throughout Germany.
Though the now-retired forward is making waves as a business owner, Wenger was once very fond of what the 39-year-old offered him on the pitch.
In 2014, Wenger called Podolski a ‘clinical finisher’ lauding the German as one of the most reliable goalscorers in the Arsenal squad at the time.
“Podolski can score goals and when you have a goalscoring chance you want him to have it,” Wenger said after Arsenal’s FA Cup win against Coventry City.
“He is a clinical finisher and has an unbelievable shot and backlift. He’s very accurate in his finishing.”
From a clinical finisher to a kebab shop kingpin, Podolski has done it all, even collecting the World Cup along the way.
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