Arsenal transfer news: Mesut Ozil has no intention on leaving after addressing injury and illness problems
Midfielder has missed a number of games due to injury and illness but believes the work he’s put in to address that has helped him win back his place under Unai Emery
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Mesut Ozil has revealed that he spent the season attempting to make himself “as fit and healthy” as possible in order to fight for his Arsenal place in Unai Emery’s squad, and believes that as a result he will not leave the club before his contract expires in 2021.
The German playmaker has gone from one of the first names on the teamsheet following his £42.5m move from Real Madrid, to a fringe player under Emery after being left out of the starting line-up a number of times this season and, on occasion, out of the matchday squad altogether.
Both Emery and his predecessor Arsene Wenger both explained that illness was responsible for a number of times when Ozil was unavailable, and the attacking midfielder revealed that he has spent time this season trying to improve his health to combat that, as well as to prevent injury.
“If the coach speaks to me and tells me I won’t play in a game it’s something I need to accept and just get on with it,” Ozil told DAZN. “I’ve carried on working on making myself as fit and healthy as I could and it’s worked out for me. Now I’m playing, but of course it’s the coach’s decision if I play or not.
“I’ve had some injuries and I’ve had to miss some games. I know the quality I have. I think everyone has their qualities and mine are at No 10. If the coach wants me to do something and play somewhere else, you have to accept it. That’s something I’ve done and as a player you just need to get on with what you’re told.”
After a tricky middle section of the season, Ozil bounced back to play a part in Arsenal’s run to the Europa League final, which takes on much greater importance than normal as winning Europe’s second-tier competition if the only way the Gunners can qualify for next season’s Champions League.
But regardless of Arsenal’s European fate next season, Ozil’s future has been cast in doubt amid reports that he would be sold if a potential buyer capable of paying his extensive wage demands could be found.
The recently-retired Germany international dismissed the prospect of leaving though, and reiterated his agent’s comments from last week that he will see out the remainder of his contract at least due to his happiness at the Emirates.
“I don’t think there’s a chance of that, to be honest,” Ozil added.
“I’ve got two more years here and what happens afterwards is not in my hands. We’ll see then, but I’m proud to be at this club and really happy.”
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments