Lukas Podolski: 'I turned down other offers to join Galatasaray'

German international Lukas Podolski has revealed that he turned down "several important offers" to join Galatasaray this summer.

The 30-year-old spent the second half of last season on loan at Inter Milan from Arsenal, before leaving the Gunners on a permanent deal.

A number of clubs were in the running for the attacker, but Podolski has said that it was an easy decision to choose the Turkish giants.

"I had several important offers but chose Galatasaray because they're a very well respected club around the world. I'm happy because this move has given me great responsibility," Podolski told AS.

Galatasaray will begin their Champions League Group C campaign at home to Atletico Madrid on Tuesday.