Exclusive – Hitzlsperger backs Podolski to shine at Arsenal

Thomas Hitzlsperger has backed Lukas Podolski to fulfill his potential and become a success at Arsenal.

The German international failed to make the grade at Bayern Munich in his previous shot at the big time and made a return to hometown club Cologne.

But Hitzlsperger insists Podolski will thrive in the Premier League with Arsenal, where the focus won’t just be on him.

“He’s a good lad and a very good football player,” Hitzlsperger told talkSPORT. “Looking at the Euros it wasn’t his tournament to be honest but I think he needs a change.

“He needs to get away from Germany, play a different style of football and play in a team that is very good where they don’t just focus on him.

“At Cologne he was the main man and he couldn’t always fulfill his potential but he is a very good player and I wish him good luck.”