Under fire Arsenal star Mesut Ozil has confirmed his desire to stay at the club, despite being constantly linked with a return to the Bundesliga in the summer. Since joining from Real Madrid for £42.4m, there has been intense pressure and focus on the German in the Premier League, but he has shown decent form this season – especially since he came back from injury.
Ozil stated that he was aware of all the criticism he is receiving, but was focused on developing under Arsene Wenger over the next few years in what he calls, “the best league in the world”.
In his first season, the World Cup winner was seen as a little lightweight, but over the course of his three month lay-off with a knee issue, the 26 year-old has visibly grown physically.
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“A return to Germany is not an option for me right now. I am really happy at Arsenal and I want this to continue,” Ozil told German press (via Goal.com).
“I played in the Bundesliga and at Real Madrid. But the English Premier League is the strongest league in the world. Opponents never give up. Even if we’re 3-0 in front with Arsenal, the players never give up and fight until the very last second.
“You can only succeed here when you’re on top level physically.”
With Wenger restoring him to his preferred central role, Ozil needs to continue to show progress and stamp his authority more on games, which he aimed to do against Monaco.
Despite the criticism, Ozil was one of Arsenal’s most dangerous men against the French side and will be looking to repeat those performances.