Former Arsenal striker Lukas Podolski swamped by fans as he touches down in Japan after Vissel Kobe move

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Japanese club Vissel Kobe rolled out the red carpet for German striker Lukas Podolski on Thursday, hoping the high-profile signing will improve their fortunes in the J-League.

Arriving by charter at Kobe Airport, Podolski was greeted by a large group of Kobe supporters eager to get a glimpse of the World Cup-winning striker.

Podolski is moving from Turkish giants Galatasaray after signing a deal with Kobe worth £4.2million.

Lukas Podolski has been swamped by adoring fans following his arrival in Japan

The German touched down in Kobe Airport on Thursday following his move to Vissel Kobe

And fans were there to greet the German after Kobe secured their highest-profile signing

Podolski takes selfies and signs autographs with the excited Vissel Kobe fans at the airport

Kobe lost 5-0 to Kawasaki Frontale last weekend and are in 11th place at the halfway stage of the season, 13 points behind leaders Kashima Antlers.

Podolski has scored 48 goals for Germany and played in three World Cups.

He is the highest-profile J-League import since Uruguay striker Diego Forlan, who played for Cerezo Osaka from 2014-15.

The former Germany international was officially unveiled by the Japanese club shortly after

The 31-year-old was presented at his first press conference for his new side on Thursday

Podolski shakes hands with Rakuten CEO, the team's sponsor, Hiroshi Mikitani

Podolski is the J-League's highest-profile import since Diego Forlan played in 2014-15