Arsenal forward Lukas Podolski has admitted that he is dreaming of playing in the Champions League final at Wembley in May.

The German international comes up against his old club on Tuesday when the Gunners host Bayern Munich in the first leg of their last-16 tie at the Emirates.

Podolski has insisted that he will have no problem dealing with the prospect of facing his former side and friends such as Bastian Schweinsteiger.

He told The Sun: "It would be something amazing to play for a London team in the final of the Champions League at Wembley. Something very special.

"That is a dream, but there is a long way to go. First, we must play a a great team, one of the favourites for the final. I had a great time at Bayern for three years but I wish I had achieved more there. I won the Cup and the League. Playing for Bayern was still a help, in my life generally. But it went so quickly.

"But Bastian is a good friend. We text a lot and had a few jokes when Arsenal were drawn against them. Jerome Boateng is also a friend. He is quite quiet but a guy I like him very much. Franck Ribery is a lot of fun and I saw him after the match between France and Germany."

Podolski has scored 12 times in all competitions for Arsenal, including three goals in the Champions League.