Mesut Ozil says he let his "heart decide" that Arsenal was the right place for him to sign what is likely to be the final major contract of his career.
The Gunners confirmed Ozil had put pen to paper on an extension to his expiring contract, lasting for three years, understood to be worth up to £350,000-a-week before tax.
The German playmaker and World Cup winner opted to stay at Arsenal despite interest from several of Europe’s top sides, including Manchester United, Inter and Juventus.
Ozil, now tied to Arsenal until well after his 32nd birthday, admitted he had thought long and hard as to whether he would remain at a club that has failed to compete for the Premier League title since he arrived from Real Madrid for £42.5million in the summer of 2013.
He wrote on Twitter: "I am proud to announce: I signed dat thing… 3 more years with Arsenal!
“It’s been one of the most important decisions of my footballing career and that’s why I had to think hard and talk with everyone who’s important to me… Good things take time!
“In the end I let my heart decide. As I always said, I feel at home here and I’m highly motivated to achieve big things in the next few years.
“Once a Gunner, always a Gunner!”
In Pictures | Mesut Ozil
Confirmation of Ozil’s extension caps off a pleasing few days off the field for Arsenal, who broke their club record to sign Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang from Borussia Dortmund for £56million.
Though Alexis Sanchez, who like Ozil had a contract that was due to expire at the end of the summer, opted to move on to Manchester United Arsenal managed to acquire a replacement in that deal as Henrikh Mkhitaryan came the other way.
With new terms for Ozil attention will soon shift to tying down several other first-teamers on expiring deals. Jack Wilshere is out of contract at the end of the season – though he is expected to agree an extension imminently – whilst Aaron Ramsey and Danny Welbeck are among the leading names in their final 18 months.
Read More
MORE ABOUT