Arsenal's Lukas Podolski: 'I wanted to play alongside Robin van Persie'

Arsenal striker Lukas Podolski has admitted that it would have been "better" if Robin van Persie had opted to stay at the Emirates.

The Germany international, who has scored three goals for the Gunners so far, has revealed that he wanted to strike up a partnership with Van Persie before the Dutchman abandoned the club for Manchester United.

"For me it was better if he had stayed," Podolski told The Mirror. "He is a world-class player and I hoped that he stayed and we played together but he made a decision and it is the team of Arsenal that is important."

Podolski is expected to line up for the North London outfit in their clash with Manchester City on Sunday.