Ozil: Arsene Wenger persuaded me to do this

Playmaker wanted to stay in Spain

Mesut Ozil has revealed that he wanted to stay at Real Madrid in 2013 until Arsene Wenger convinced him to join Arsenal.

In his autobiography, which is set to be released soon, Gunners star Ozil reveals that he never had any intention of leaving Real Madrid, until his father fell out with president Florentino Perez during contract talks.

The fallout led to him contacting Wenger about a move, who had attempted to sign him in 2010 when the player moved to Madrid from German side Werder Bremen.

“Even though it wasn’t easy for me at the start, I dialled a number I had in my cell since 2010,” Ozil wrote. “”Mr. Wenger,’ I said. ‘I promised to contact you first if there would be the opportunity that I am looking for a new club. It’s here now.’

“The transfer from Real Madrid to Arsenal was the most difficult decision of my career.”

By Ben Kelly – @benkelly_10