BERLIN: German international striker Lukas Podolski says signing for Arsenal was an easy choice as the Gunners are “a huge name in football with a great coach”.

The 26-year-old Cologne forward was speaking 48 hours after announcing his move to the Premier League side for an estimated fee of 13 million euros.

Podolski commented: “When I received the offer I quickly realised it was the right path to take. Arsenal are undoubtedly a huge name in football with a great coach and a fabulous stadium.”

He is adamant that he will fit in in north London, in contrast to when he moved to Bayern Munich in 2006 where he struggled to impose himself over the three seasons he spent at his home club.

“When I went to Munich I was perhaps a little too young. Now I'm more experienced and more mature, I believe in myself more and I'm sure things will work out for me over there.”

He added that he had not paid attention to “a couple of” offers from Cologne's Bundesliga rivals.

“I didn't want to join another side in this league,” he explained.

“Cologne are too important for me. I wouldn't have been able to put up with that, and neither would the fans.”

Before moving to the Premier League Poldoski, on 18 goals this season, still has one important game left - Saturday's visit by Bayern with Cologne hovering two points above the relegation zone.