Former Bayern Munich and Arsenal striker Lukas Podolski has confirmed he will be leaving Turkish club Galatasaray at the end of the season to join J-League oufit Vissel Kobe.

The 31 year old German international confirmed the news on his official Instagram account today. “I can confirm that at the end of this season I will join Vissel Kobe from the J-League in Japan,” Podolski posted.

“It’s not a decision against Galatasaray, it’s a decision I made for a new challenge, and I will explain more when the time is right. But right now my only focus is helping Galatasaray and our fantastic fans.”

The 2014 FIFA World Cup winner will joined the Turkish record champions in 2015 and has won the Turkish Cup and two Turkish Super Cups in two seasons with the club.

Podolski has also won 129 caps for Germany while scoring 48 goals. The 1. FC Cologne youth academy product and idol will make his final international appearance for Germany in Dortmund against England on March 22, 2017.

I can confirm that at the end of this season I will join Vissel Kobe from the J-League in Japan. It’s not a decision against Galatasaray, it’s a decision I made for a new challenge, and I will explain more when the time is right. But right now my only focus is helping Galatasaray and our fantastic fans! 👍🏻🦁👊🏻 #Cimbom #Gala #Poldi

Ein Beitrag geteilt von Lukas Podolski (@poldi_official) am 2. Mär 2017 um 1:17 Uhr