The enigmatic midfielder insists he is happy at Arsenal
Mesut Özil has said he is happy to stay at Arsenal this season after a season of ups and downs and constant speculation of an exit this summer.
Arsenal’s highest paid player has often been left out of the starting XI this season by Unai Emery, who has demanded more off the ball work from Özil than his predecessor Arsène Wenger.
But despite these adaptation issues, the German midfielder has revealed that he will stay put at the Emirates for the remainder of his contract.
Asked if he wants to stay, Özil told Sky Sports: “Absolutely. I’ve got two more years on my contract. I don’t know after that but I’ve got two years left.
When asked whether he was happy, he said: “Yes. Why not? I’m 30 now, still got years in front of me, it’s down to the club as well of course, but I’ve got two years here – after that I don’t know what happens.”
The playmaker also rubbished rumours of a falling out between him and Emery, while admitting that he would like to play more than he has over the course of this past season.
“No [issues with Emery]. Definitely not. There’s always speculation, everyone inside knew that our situation is positive.
“It’s frustrating [not playing]. I want to play in every game. Through injury I’ve missed games but that’s football.
“As a footballer you always want to start games. The coach makes decisions which means you may not start but you have to keep going.”
Özil’s creativity will be key if Arsenal are to beat Valencia in the Europa League this week in a tie that will see Shkodran Mustafi, Francis Coquelin and Gabriel Paulista all play against their former clubs.
He missed out on Arsenal’s humiliating defeat to Leicester at the weekend with a bruised foot but has been named in the squad for Thursday’s match.
