mesut OZIL

Mesut Ozil

Germany international midfielder Mesut Ozil joined Arsenal on a long-term contract in a Club record deal in September 2013.

The 24-year-old moved from Real Madrid, where he made a total of 159 appearances in three years. During that time he won both La Liga and the Copa del Rey.

Mesut Ozil Profile
Born	October 15, 1988 Gelsenkirchen, Germany
Position:	Midfielder
Squad Number:	11
Previous Club(s)	Schalke, Werder Bremen, Real Madrid

The attacking midfielder had been a long-term target and manager Arsène Wenger said: “We are extremely pleased to have signed Mesut Ozil. He is a great player, with proven quality at both club and international level. We have watched and admired him for some time as he has all the attributes I look for in an Arsenal player. Mesut is a top quality footballer who is be a fantastic addition to our talented squad.”

Ozil joined his hometown club Schalke in 2006 at the age of 18 and, after spending two years with the Gelsenkirchen club, he made the move to Bundesliga side Werder Bremen in 2008.

After 71 appearances with Bremen, Ozil made the move to Real Madrid following impressive displays at the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.

At the time of signing, Ozil said: “I am thrilled to be joining a club of the stature of Arsenal and am looking forward to playing in the Premier League. It will be great for my own personal development as a player and I am particularly looking forward to working with Arsène Wenger.

“From our negotiations it was clear the Club has huge ambition and I look forward to being part of an exciting future.”