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Istanbul - Germany forward Lukas Podolski signed a three-year contract until 2018 at Turkish champions Galatasaray on Saturday in a transfer from Arsenal.
Sitting next to club president Dursun Oezbek and sporting a team shirt, Podolski put pen to paper at a special ceremony. The contract also includes an option for a fourth season.
Galatasaray named the transfer at €2.5 million, plus an additional €500,000 if they qualify for the Champions League over the next three years. Podolski will earn €3 million per season, plus €20,000 per game he plays, until 2018.
"They have been after me for years. It was a gut decision and one of the heart. That's why I am here today," Podolski said.
Podolski was at Arsenal since 2012 but loaned off to Inter Milan for the second half of the past season.
He decided to leave for good after Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger did not guarantee him playing time which he needs in order to make the Germany squad for Euro 2016.
The 125-times capped Podolski will have the chance to play Champions League football at the 20-times national champions and 2000 UEFA Cup wnniers Galatasaray as he seeks the best for himself and the club.
"I am satisfied and want to attack here. Gala have achieved great things and I want to do my share that it will be even better next year," he said.
