Mesut Ozil has said his future with Arsenal depends on manager Arsene Wenger’s decision saying the Frenchman’s decision whether to stay on or leave the club will be of great importance to him and the whole club.
Ozil, still contracted till next year, is reluctant to sign an extension to his contract as Wenger’s own future is uncertain.
Wenger has been at the mercy of the club supporters calling out for his resignation with protest carried out against him following Arsenal’s worst run of results under the Frenchman since he took over the reins of the club 20 years ago.
Despite all that, the club hierarchy still has much faith in the 67-year old as he has been offered a new deal for the next season and beyond.
The World Cup winner, in a recent interview, said he is waiting for Wenger to decide before he decides on anything.
“It’s not just important for me but for the whole club,” Ozil told the Daily Mail. “It’s important to know if he stays or if he goes. We need to think towards next season.
“He’s very important. In my career I’ve always made decisions not just because of clubs but managers, too. As a footballer, it’s important to have the manager’s trust and believe they can develop you.
“When I went from Madrid to Arsenal, I came for him because I told him at the time he’d be my first option. That was the case. We still have a super understanding today.
“I have his trust, he’s a superb coach. He’s been successful for many years, he’s been here for 20 years and has always managed to get Arsenal to reach the Champions League, making Arsenal a big club. He deserves to be shown respect.”
Ozil said he still has faith that Wenger is capable of leading the team to claim the title glory again – the last being 2004 – and also win the Champions League but also suggested the squad need a major overhaul to achieve both silverware.
“I think the club know they need to strengthen,” he said. “But what’s most important is the manager’s opinion. He and the club will make the decision.
“When you look at our squad, it’s not as broad as Bayern (Munich)’s or Real Madrid’s. In the Champions League, that’s not enough, especially against big teams, because they have more breadth in their squad.”
Arsenal, who still has two more fixtures, are currently sitting in the sixth place on the table, 21 points behind league leaders Chelsea.
Ozil also said he hadn’t thought of how not qualifying for Champions League would affect his decision.
“I haven’t thought about that. The club comes first, not Mesut Ozil or anyone,” he said.
“The team have the aim to reach the Champions League and I’ll fight for that. In the summer we have enough time to talk about the future and we’ll do that.”
He added: “I’m very happy. I have a connection with the club. I love London, it’s great to live here but I can’t say today what will happen in the future. In the summer we’ll definitely talk.”