Former Arsenal star has raked in millions after launching successful side business

Former Arsenal forward Lukas Podolski has raked in millions of pounds through his successful 'side business' since leaving the Premier League.

The Germany international played for the Gunners between 2012 and 2015, and was a popular figure among the Emirates Stadium faithful.

He scored 16 goals in all competitions during his first season at the club, and wore the number nine shirt previously adorned by the likes of Nicolas Anelka, Alan Smith and Davor Suker.

Podolski largely played as a left-sided forward during his time at Arsenal, but occasionally played as a lone centre forward when Olivier Giroud was unavailable.

The German helped Arsenal to win the FA Cup final in 2014 - the club's first trophy in nine years - but left on loan to Inter Milan in January 2015 due to a lack of game time and signed permanently for Galatasaray the following summer.

Now 39, Podolski - who was born in Poland - is now playing for Polish side Gornik Zabrze following his spells in Turkey and Japan. He retired from Germany duty in 2017.

Despite the fact he is still playing, the forward also has one eye on his business interests off the pitch as well.

Podolski owns a series of kebab shops in Germany, as well as his own ice cream brand.

According to the Daily Mail, his ice cream brand, Ice Cream United, was launched in 2017, with his first Mangal Doner shop opening a year later.

The kebab shop has expanded to 30 branches, which are situated across Germany - with the ventures believed to have earned the former Arsenal star millions of pounds.

Explaining the reasoning behind his ventures to German outlet 11 Freunde, Podolski said: "Other folks head to the golfing course after training, and just hang around there all day long.

"I sell ice cream, kebab and clothing, have fun and everyone can take something home.

"I back this project 100 per cent and will help where I can help.

"I want to continue developing this project. I always put my foot to the floor."

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