Podolski put in two crosses and scored Galatasaray's only goal in Saturday's 2-1 loss to Mersin.

The striker made just his second start since returning from a six-week absence, Podolski was able to tuck home a late goal as his club tried to claw back into the match. He now has 11 goals and four assists in 24 starts this season, and he has been fairly consistent in never having gone more than two matches without factoring into a goal. He will likely start Thursday's Europa League match versus Lazio.

Podolski scored two goals on 13 shots in six Champions League matches during group-league play.

Podolski saw a total of 499 minutes over those six matches, ranking fourth-most on the squad. However, Galatasaray was bounced from the competition so the forward will be refined to pumping out goals in Super Lig where he's currently the seventh leading scorer with eight.

Podolski officially signed a three-year contract with Galatasaray on Saturday after transferring from Arsenal for €2.5 million.

Podolski struggled to get starts in the first half of last season with the Gunners, who then loaned him to Inter Milan in January. However, he was unable to grab a consistent spot in the starting XI, which kept Inter from buying him this summer. Podolski will likely get plenty of playing time in Turkey for a club that will be in the Champions League this season.

Galatasaray announced Friday that they have begun negotiations with Arsenal on a transfer of Podolski.

Podolski found playing time very hard to come by at the beginning of last season, and he was then loaned to Inter Milan in January, where he still struggled to get many starts. Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger reportedly met with Podolski and told him he isn't going to start this season, which paved the way for the potential Galatasaray move.

Podolski struggled in limited action split between Arsenal and Inter Milan this season, scoring just four goals with one assist in 31 total appearances.

Podolski scored thrice in 11 appearances for Arsenal before joining Inter in January, where he appeared 18 times and registered one goal with one assist. Podolski currently plans to rejoin Arsenal and would like to stay with the club next season, but whether he is surplus to requirement with the Gunners remains to be seen.

Podolski said that he wants to return to Arsenal after his loan agreement with Inter Milan expires, according to the Daily Mail.

The striker has yet to score a goal with Milan, despite 13 appearances with the side. Milan manager Roberto Mancini revealed that the striker would like to return to England.

Podolski took three shots during Inter's 4-1 win over Atalanta on Sunday, but he was unable to find the back of the net.

Podolski remains without a goal since his loan from Arsenal began, though he's gotten five starts in seven possible matches, so he's at least getting enough playing time to break through at some point.