German international Lukas Podolski has criticised the way in which he was treated by Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger prior to his loan move to Inter Milan.
This therefore led the German forward in moving to Seria A on loan and he has hit out at what he deems as a lack of respect from Wenger on his departure.
“He said nothing to me. He did not call or say goodbye,” Podolski said of Wenger in an exclusive interview with The Sun.
“I don’t need flowers or a kiss from him. But it is about respect, about saying goodbye. For me, respect is important. I did everything for the club I possibly could have. I don’t believe I did anything wrong. I did not get drunk in a club.
“I wish all of Arsenal and their amazing fans the very best for this season and I see myself as a Gunner.”
Podolski made his Inter Milan debut in their 1-1 draw with rivals Juventus on Tuesday night and the 29-year-old feels he had to leave the Emirates in order to re-spark his career.
The final straw for Podolski came when he played a starring role in Arsenal’s thrashing of Galatasary in the Champions League last month.
Podolski, 29, scored twice in the 4-1 victory however he was dropped to the bench for their next match at home to Newcastle United.
Podolski knew something had to change after that as he said: “The big moment was after the Champions League. I played a very good game against Galatasaray and then I was on the bench again. I knew I had to move.”