Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has admitted that he could not have given Lukas Podolski the "confidence and trust" that he needed to play a pivotal role at the Emirates.

The German World Cup winner signed for Galatasaray last weekend after spending half of last season on loan at Inter Milan.

During an interview with Arsenal Player, Wenger explained the reasons behind the 30-year-old's exit. He said: "Lukas Podolski played in a position that is congested because we have so many wide players or players who can play wide.

"I felt that the opportunities for him to play with the stature a player has, he needed to go somewhere and play. I believe it's a good move for him because if Lukas has confidence and trust from the manager, he has the potential and the talent. I was not sure I could give that to him here."

Podolski spent three years at Arsenal.