Arsenal and Germany attacking midfielder Mesut Ozil says he has a role model team-mate at the Emirates whom he has admired for considerably longer.
The former Schalke 04 man been at Arsenal for over three years now since his arrival at the Arsenal from Real Madrid for a club record sign on fee of £43m in 2013.
The Germany international played alongside Per Mertesacker at Werder Bremen – and says his compatriot is an example to the rest of his peers.
“I’ve known Per for a while, because we’ve played together in Bremen, for the national team and here too.
“I can only say positives about him. He gives everything for the team, not just for himself, but for everyone.
“Off the pitch, he watches the games and comes into the dressing room. He’s just a role model and we’re pleased to have him here.
“I want him to get fit again and back on the pitch as quickly as possible. I sincerely hope that he comes back really quickly.” Ozil told Arsenal Player
Özil began his youth career playing for various clubs in Gelsenkirchen and then played five years for Rot-Weiss Essen before joining Schalke’s youth system in 2005.
Three years later, Ozil reportedly declined an offer from Schalke 04, claiming that a yearly salary of €1.5 million would not be enough. He eventually fell out with club management and moved on to Werder Bremen in January 2008.
