Mesut Ozil finally explains his decision to sign new Arsenal contract after months of speculation over his future
German playmaker looked to be heading out of the Emirates exit door this summer with his deal due to expire
MESUT OZIL has insisted that he never really considered leaving Arsenal.
The German playmaker was due to become a free agent at the end of the season with his contract set to expire.
But he finally ended months of speculation over his future by penning a new £350,000-a-week deal with the Gunners in January until 2021.
Now the 29-year-old, who was linked with a switch to Manchester United among a host of other giants, has lifted the lid on the reasons behind his decision.
And Ozil was adamant that he always intended to stay at the Emirates.
Speaking to the ex-Real Madrid star said: “I’m really happy to sign here for such a big club like Arsenal.
“I’ve always said to the club that I’m happy here and now I’ve signed, I’m really happy.
“My team-mates and family have always supported me.
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“I have a lot of goals here with the team, I want to reach those and I’m really happy.
“I like the club and I am happy. I love the city.”
Ozil added: “Before I signed the contract, I spoke with my family about what the best decision was for me. At the end of the day, it was really easy for me to say ‘yes’ to the club.
“I’m here for more years and I hope we will win some titles with the team. I believe in that.”
The first crown he will be hoping to win and secure a route back into the Champions League is the Europa League.
Arsenal face Italian giants AC Milan at the Emirates on Thursday.
And they head into the clash as strong favourites to progress into the quarter-finals after their triumph at the San Siro last week.
Goals from Henrikh Mkhitaryan and Aaron Ramsey secured the Gunners a 2-0 advantage going into the second-leg.
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