Mesut Ozil has found life difficult under manager Unai Emery, but the German does not have any plan of leaving the club this summer. Ozil has two years left on hsi contract and he plans to see it out.
The 30-year-old joined Arsenal from Real Madrid in 2013 and was a fan favourite in his early days. However, his performances in recent years have caused debate among the gunners faithfuls with many saying he should stay while others want him gone.
The former Germany international has been cricitised by many pundits for his lazy attitude and his inconsistency. He has found himself reduced to a peripheral role under Emery this season with reports suggesting the Spaniard is considering offloading the 30-year-old especially with Ozil being the highest earner at the club.
However, speaking in an interview with Sksyports, Ozil insists he ‘s not looking for a move away from the club and his ready to fight for his place in the team.
Asked if he wants to stay, Ozil said: “Absolutely. I’ve got two more years on my contract. I don’t know after that but I’ve got two years left. Asked if he is happy, he said: “Yes. Why not? I’m 30 now, still got years in front of me, it’s down to the club as well of course, but I’ve got two years here – after that I don’t know what happens.
“While admitting it is frustrating not being able to play in every game, Ozil insists he has no issues with Emery or his selection policy. “No [issues with Emery]. Definitely not. There’s always speculation, everyone inside knew that our situation is positive.
“It’s frustrating [not playing]. I want to play in every game. Through injury I’ve missed games but that’s football. “As a footballer you always want to start games. The coach makes decisions which means you may not start but you have to keep going.”
Ozil’s future may depend on whether Arsenal are playing Champions League football under Emery next term, with the Gunners hosting Valencia in the Europa League semi-final first leg on Thursday. They sit fifth in the Premier League, two points behind fourth-place Chelsea with two games remaining.
The German has been included in Arsenal’s squad for Thursday’s Europa league semi-final clash with Valencia. The German missed the Gunners’ 3-0 weekend defeat at Leicester with a bruised foot but when asked about the 30-year-old’s Ozil’s availability, Emery said: “We have a group of 20 players and he is in that group.”
Arsenal’s provisional squad to face Valencia
Leno, Cech, Maitland-Niles, Lichtsteiner, Jenkinson, Mustafi, Koscielny, Papastathopoulos, Monreal, Kolasinac, Xhaka, Guendouzi, Torreira, Elneny, Iwobi, Mkhitaryan, Ozil, Aubameyang, Lacazette, Nketiah.
