Podolski's Bundesliga club announced earlier this week the German international will depart for north London at the end of the season.

"Arsenal are a huge football club and the objective must be to win titles in the coming years," Podolski told reporters.

"I could have either continued at Cologne or gone back to a top club. I had other offers but for me it was clear that I'd go to Arsenal.

"They have a great coach, a great stadium and great fans - and they have the same colours as Cologne."

The 26-year-old then reflected on his disappointing earlier spell at Bayern Munich, which saw him struggle to compete with the likes of Luca Toni and Miroslav Klose in attack.

"I was perhaps a bit too young when I was there. I'm more mature now and trust myself to make this step," he said.