Former Arsenal star Lukas Podolski mobbed by adoring fans as he touches down in Japan after signing for Vissel Kobe
The 32-year-old has signed for a reported £4million from Turkish giants Galatasaray
LUKAS PODOLSKI has been mobbed by adoring fans as he arrived in Japan after signing for Vissel Kobe.
The former Arsenal star has made the move to Asia from Galatasaray on a reported £4million deal halfway through the J1 League.
Kobe sit 11th in the table after being humiliated against Kawasaki Frontale losing 5-0, leaving them 13 points behind leaders Kashima Antlers.
They had hoped to sign the 32-year-old before the Spring window closed on March 31, but he elected to finish his campaign at Cimbom, where he ended up with 17 goals for the season.
Speaking of his move to Ushi, he said: "The first target is to fight for the first three places (in the J-League) and to qualify for the (Asian) Champions League.
"I think as well it is a nice challenge for me to see other countries and play against other big teams."
His arrival at Kobe airport caused a stir amongst supporters, with thousands of fans greeting him on Thursday as they revelled in the German World Cup winner proudly donning their jersey.
Fans will have to wait over three weeks for Podolski to make his debut though, where he is sure to be in the starting line-up when they face Omiya Ardija on July 29.
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He is the biggest football icon to have made the switch to Japan since Uruguayan legend Diego Forlan played for Cerezo Osaka in the 2014/15 campaign.
Another notable European who donned the jersey of Kobe was former Barcelona and Real Madrid star Michael Laudrup who netted eight times in 21 games between 1996-1997.
Podolski took to Twitter earlier on today to express his delight on being greeted in such a spectacle manner.
He said: "A perfect welcome to start this new adventure. Thanks fans."
The former Bayern Munich man remains a firm fan favourite with the Gunners faithful, helping then end a nine-year quest for a trophy when he lifted the FA Cup in 2014.
A goal against North London rivals Tottenham Hotspur in the 5-2 demolition at the Emirates cemented himself in Arsenal folklore, and he recently bid a farewell to White Hart Lane with his own 'tribute' to the ground.