Arsene Wenger calls on Mesut Ozil to justify new contract and lead Arsenal into successful new era
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Arsene Wenger has called on Mesut Ozil to lead Arsenal into a bright future after committing his future to the club.
Germany international Ozil ended months of drawn-out negotiations and speculation over his future by inking a new deal at the Emirates on February 1.
Ozil, 29, had been in the last six months of his contract, but has penned a new three-and-a-half year deal with the Gunners, worth £350,000-a-week.
The playmaker rejected offers from Europe and the Far East, including a £22million-a-year after tax offer from Chinese Super League side Guangzhou Evergrande.
And Wenger believes that now is the time for the World Cup winner to step up and lead his side.
(Image: Mesut Ozil/Twitter)
(Image: Getty Images Europe)
"Many predicted he wouldn’t commit and not sign,” explained Wenger on Friday. "It is good news for us - if you can keep a player of that calibre is of course good news.
"He has committed his future to the club at a period where we are in a tricky period.
“[Now] we expect him to take responsibility to lead the club to success.”
Ozil has recently built a house in London and is settled in the area, something which played a big role in him electing to stay put.
In contrast Olivier Giroud was allowed to leave the Emirates, joining Chelsea on deadline day in an £18million deal, after Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s arrival had been confirmed.
(Image: REUTERS)
(Image: Action Images via Reuters)
Wenger didn’t want to lose the French international - particularly to a rival - but admits he felt a debt of gratitude to Giroud, who wanted to stay in London.
"He was massively popular here,” added Wenger. "Olivier wanted more playing time, he has not played many Premier League games and wants as well to go to the World Cup."
"That is why I opened the door [to a transfer]. Ideally you want him to go to clubs who do not compete with you, but on the other hand it was a bit linked to the Aubameyang deal.
"He’s just had a third baby it was a bit difficult for his family to leave London. We owe him a lot for his exceptional dedication and commitment to the club; it was difficult to turn it down because it was a rival club."