“?Arsenal’s Mesut Ozil has credited manager Arsene Wenger as the major reason why he joined the Gunners back in September 2013, with the Germany play-maker joining the North London club from Real Madrid for a fee in the region of £42.5m.
Ozil told male-oriented website “?Joe.co.uk that Wenger was a key component over his decision to depart La Liga in favour of the Barclays Premier League.
“He was, of course, the big influence,” Ozil said.
“He was the guy to explain to me what he wanted me to do, what he wanted to do with the club and me.
“So in the end I decided to go to Arsenal for him because I am so thankful have such a big coach. We will always support him.”
The 27-year-old, who has won two FA Cups during his time at the Emirates Stadium, also stated that he has felt at home in North London since his switch three years ago – a move he puts down to the multicultural nature of England’s capital.
“If I want to buy some stuff for my house like meat or something like that, I know in North London that there are big streets where there are just Turkish people and Turkish markets, so that has always helped me of course,” Ozil added.
“Before, I tried to practice [English] with a teacher but I said ‘Okay, you learn it but if you don’t speak the language then you forget a lot of stuff’. So what I do now is go out on the street and speak with the people and so I learn more.
“I’m always really appreciative because if I am walking outside with my family, the fans come up and they are very kind. So I am very thankful and I really enjoy playing for such a big club.”
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