Arsenal playmaker Mesut Ozil has discussed the reasons behind his decision to join the Gunners and why he enjoys playing for Arsene Wenger.
The 26-year-old secured a move from Real Madrid to the Emirates in a deal worth £42.5m – fee reported by The Guardian – in 2013, and he has gone on to play a crucial role for the club in their bid to win trophies.
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Ozil insisted that it was Arsenal’s attacking philosophy that convinced him that they were the right club for him – there was also the option of joining PSG when he decided to leave the Spanish capital, as reported by The Express.
“Before I joined, I knew that Arsenal were always a technically-strong team,” Ozil told the club’s website.
“That’s also why I decided to join this club, because I know exactly what the manager wants from the team.
“Our game centres around playing good, technical football and that’s good. It’s thanks to the manager because he’s worked on that for years and has formulated a technically-gifted team that can dominate any opposition.
“That’s why we’re really pleased to have a manager like him.”
While the former Madrid star has shown his quality in north London, perhaps the only criticism that can be levelled at him is his inconsistency.
Ozil has scored goals, like the one below, and produced assists for the Gunners, but his overall play has seen him go anonymous in certain games which has led to frustration within the Emirates faithful.
Meanwhile, the German international and World Cup winner went on praise his manager, and spoke about his close relationship with Wenger.
As with several of the players in the Arsenal squad, Ozil has faced significant criticism at times, but the French tactician has always been one to stand up and defend him which in turn has built a close bond between the pair.
Ozil added: “He knows exactly how I tick and I know exactly what he thinks of me. I just want to help the team as much as possible on the pitch – that’s my target.
“I thank him for that through good performances on the pitch.”
Ozil will hope to play his role in helping Arsenal get off to a positive start in the Champions League when they take on Dinamo Zagreb in Croatia on Wednesday night.
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