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'Proud' Mesut Ozil pays tribute to Arsene Wenger and Arsenal impact

Ozil, Wenger, FA CUp 2017
Image: Mesut Ozil and Arsene Wenger celebrate winning the FA Cup last season

Mesut Ozil has declared himself "proud" to have played under Arsene Wenger, who he says played a key role in bringing him to Arsenal.

Ozil was signed by Wenger for £42.5m from Real Madrid in 2013 and has since gone on to make over 150 appearances for the Gunners and won the FA Cup three times.

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On the day that Wenger announced he would leaving Arsenal at the end of the season, Ozil told Sky Sports: "He's the main reason I came here, he convinced me and I am proud to have played under him.

"Everyone has a lot of respect for him. He has won many titles, developed some good players and has always played excellent football, so you know as a player if you come here you are going to be able to develop and play in that style.

"He is an honest guy, a very respectful guy, has a good personality, and everybody wants to play under him."

Ozil's future at the club had been in doubt until he signed a new deal earlier this year.

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He says Wenger played a role in extending his stay with the Gunners.

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"He is the boss who brought me here and wanted me to stay so I said I am comfortable here, I never wanted to leave and that's why I stayed. Now we want to reach our further goals.

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"To be a creative player like I am, he gives me that freedom and tells me to do my thing. He gives me his trust and belief and when a coach says something like that, especially someone like him, you are proud and you want to do all you can to fight for him."

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