Mesut Ozil has revealed that he always wanted to join Arsenal in the event that he left Real Madrid.
Arsenal signed the German midfielder from Real Madrid in 2013 for a club record £42.5 million, signalling the start of a new era of spending at The Emirates.
The 28 year-old is now playing some of the best football of his life, and it is no surprise he has been linked with moves back to Real Madrid and to German giants Bayern Munich.
Wenger recently spoke of his confidence in Ozil’s contract extension, and the player’s recent comments are sure to add further weight to the manager’s words of confidence.
“I spoke with Wenger and he wanted me at Arsenal. I said ‘if I get the opportunity to change clubs, you’ll be the first [choice]’,” he said, according to The Mirror.
“So we spoke and I decided to come. I remember [Thierry] Henry, Dennis Bergkamp, Robert Pires – such great players – and I wanted to be a part of them.
“My first and second year we won the FA Cup. I really enjoy playing for such a big club like Arsenal.”
Wenger himself spoke recently about how the German could emulate Dennis Bergkamp, but that was dependent on his future at Arsenal.
These comments were obviously made in an attempt to convince Ozil to put pen to paper on negotiations that have been going on for some time now. But, there is no doubt that the winger can go some way to solidifying his Arsenal legacy if he chooses to stay.
Ozil clearly loves the club, highly respects the manager, and enjoys his life in London.
Arsenal fans will be hoping this is enough to convince Mesut Ozil to sign on, especially after that goal at Ludogorets.
