Mesut Ozil cites Arsene Wenger as reason behind joining Arsenal

Mesut Ozil picked up his second assist of the season against Stoke City last Saturday.

German international Mesut Ozil has revealed why he decided to join English club, Arsenal when he had the opportunity to pick a handful of clubs who were interested in him, as stated on the club’s official website.

Ozil moved to the Emirates in the summer of 2013, arriving from Real Madrid for a club record fee of £ 42.5 million. However, PSG were also keen in signing him and even offered him a higher wage.

Arsenal are known for the brand of football they display at the Emirates stadium week in and week out, recognised for their short incisive passing, combination plays around the D area and counter-attacks in the likes of Walcott, Sanchez and Oxlade-Chamberlain. And Arsene Wenger has been massively responsible for shaping the club and it’s tactics.

The French manager is well respected by peers all over the world and it wasn’t a surprise that he was influential in luring the former Real Madrid playmaker to North London. The 2014 World Cup winner insisted that it was Arsenal’s attacking philosophy that eventually persuaded him to join the Gunners.

"Before I joined, I knew that Arsenal were always a technically strong team," he 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 centers 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."

Wenger will bring out the best in me, says Ozil

The 26-year-old playmaker has placed his faith on Wenger to bring out the best of him and has admitted he loves playing for the Frenchman. Apart from Wenger’s approach to football, he has a good track record of developing players at the club including the likes of Henry, Pires, Ljungberg, Fabregas and many more.

"He knows exactly how I tick and I know exactly what he thinks of me," added Ozil. "I just want to help the team as much as possible on the pitch - that’s my target.

"Of course sometimes things work better than at other times, that’s football, but the manager believes in me and that means a lot to me.

"He has experience and in past years you’ve seen him develop some top players. I get on really well with him and he gives me his trust. I’m thankful to him for that and to be praised by a coach like him means a lot.

"I thank him for that through good performances on the pitch," concluded the 26-year-old.

Arsenal begin their new Champions League season on September 17 as travel to Croatia to face Dinamo Zagreb in the opening fixture of Group F.