Premier League superstar admitted shock former Arsenal player is his idol – but he made him cry

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Arsenal have played host to plenty of Premier League icons over the years, many who have inspired the next generation.

Footballing idols are a crucial part of the game, giving those up-and-coming the chance to envision their future through someone who has walked the walk.

Plenty of Premier League players are Arsenal fans beneath the shirts they wear for work, inspired by the heroes that have represented the Gunners over the years.

Thierry Henry is an inspiration to millions around the world however, one current Premier League player considers a different Arsenal star his idol, a figure that very few would guess. 

• READ MORE: Every Arsenal legend in Premier League Hall of Fame from Thierry Henry to Arsene Wenger

Matheus Cunha idolizes former Arsenal star Lukas Podolski

Matheus Cunha is one of the most talked about forwards in the Premier League this season, as he continues to enjoy an impressive campaign at Wolves. 

Cunha was linked to Arsenal in the January window, which is interesting when exploring what the Brazilian has said about who his footballing idols are. 

In a 2019 interview with the official Bundesliga website, the Wolves superstar named Lukas Podolski as a player he ‘likes very much’. 

“Ronaldinho is undoubtedly a great idol. It’s hard to talk about him because he’s my friend.

“He’s definitely an amazing person who treated me very well. I wish him all the best and he deserves it,” Cunha said, before identifying Podolski as his Bundesliga idol.

“In terms of players from the Bundesliga, I like Podolski very much. He destroyed the Brazil national team when he went there and became world champion, and I cried a lot at that time.

“But he seems to have a lot of affection from Brazilians even to this day. He’s always playing around and joking with Flamengo.”

Cunha was referencing Podolski winning the World Cup in Brazil in 2014, where he lifted the trophy alongside fellow Gunners Mesut Ozil and Per Mertesacker.

Arsenal must keep a close eye on Cunha in the summer transfer window 

Who would’ve thought that a player prominent in the Premier League would idolize Podolski? 

That’s the case for Cunha, who could now follow in Podolski’s footsteps and join Arsenal.

Cunha’s agent was aware of Arsenal’s interest in the winter market, and now, the Gunners have a greater chance than ever to secure their target. 

The Wolves star is protected by a release clause of only £62.5m, an affordable price for a player capable of destroying Premier League defences.