Lukas Podolski says Per Mertesacker pushed him to join Arsenal.

The former FC Cologne star has now completed his move to the Gunners.

"I do speak to Per whenever we meet and we keep in touch on the telephone, too," he told Arsenal Player.

"He has mentioned things about the Club's organisation, the training ground, the fans and this has really helped. It might have influenced me to a certain extent but in the end, of course, I took the decision myself.

"I have been told that this is a Club with a great tradition and history. It is a Club always among the top four in the Premier League, with a fantastic stadium, fantastic players and great fans. Which just confirmed all the things that I already felt."

While Podolski may have been lured by Arsenal's impressive pedigree, the striker admits Arsène Wenger's stellar reputation was also a key factor behind his decision.

"This also played an important part," said the forward. "Arsenal are a great club and Arsène Wenger has been a very successful coach both in Europe and around the world.

"He speaks several languages, and German in particular, which is very helpful. We have spoken to each other on the telephone a few times, which was very good and also which made my decision even easier."