Podolski: I'll be ready for the new season

Arsenal striker Lukas Podolski promised fans that they will see the 'real Podolski' when the season begins next week.

Having only rejoined the team in training recently after taking an extended break due to his involvement in Euro 2012, Podolski admitted that he is still some way from his best but assured fans that he will be ready when the Gunners host Sunderland next week in their first Premier league match of the season.

"I am now two weeks into training and it is not easy when you come back to your club after a European Championship or World Cup," he told Arsenal's official website.

"I need some more weeks and then you will see the real Podolski.

"It has been very good so far. This is a big club with a great coach and I am very proud to be an Arsenal player. I am looking forward to the first match of the season against Sunderland."

Arsenal's final pre-season friendly match brings Podolski back to his hometown Cologne, where he is set to make his debut against face his former side on 12 August.

Podolski admits he owes much to Cologne, where he has spent two highly-successful spells, and is looking forward to facing them.

"I'm back home, in my city, and looking forward to the match," he said. "This is my first match for Arsenal and I am very happy.

"I hope I can score against Cologne, it is not easy but we want to win the match and then look ahead to the game against Sunderland.

"I started my career in Cologne when I was 10 and then I was in the first team when I was 17 or 18 years old. It was a great time; they have great fans, a great stadium and it is a great club.

"Now they are in the second division, so it is not easy but I hope they will go back up to the first division."