Mesut Ozil
Mesut Ozil has indicated the future of Arsene Wenger remains critical to his own at Arsenal, saying he has a “super understanding” with the Frenchman.
Ozil will have only one year left on his contract come the summer, but has stalled on committing his future to the Gunners as Wenger’s own status remains up in the air.
Wenger has been in charge of the club for more than 20 years, but is yet to accept the reported offer of a new contract for next season and beyond as recent results have left his proud record of qualifying for the Champions League every season in peril.
But World Cup winner Ozil said Wenger had been instrumental in persuading him to join Arsenal from Real Madrid, and suggested he was waiting to see how the manager’s situation resolved itself before making any decision of his own.
“It’s not just important for me but for the whole club,” Ozil told the Daily Mail. “It’s important to know if he stays or if he goes. We need to think towards next season.”
“He’s very important. In my career I’ve always made decisions not just because of clubs but managers, too. As a footballer, it’s important to have the manager’s trust and believe they can develop you.”
“When I went from Madrid to Arsenal, I came for him because I told him at the time he’d be my first option. That was the case. We still have a super understanding today.”
“I have his trust, he’s a superb coach. He’s been successful for many years; he’s been here for 20 years and has always managed to get Arsenal to reach the Champions League, making Arsenal a big club. He deserves to be shown respect.”