Arsenal midfielder Mesut Ozil has claimed that he can win the Ballon d'Or "in the next few years".

The German international has returned to action for the Gunners in recent weeks after an injury-plagued first half of the season.

Insisting that he has now got to grips with the physicality of the Premier League after an inconsistent first campaign, 26-year-old Ozil hopes to become the best footballer in the world.

"If I continue to develop well and stay healthy, I would like, in the next few years, to hold the Ballon d'Or in my hands," he told Sport Bild. "I am convinced that it can happen.

"I'm feeling very positive. I'm a world champion and I play at a top club in the Premier League. There is much more of a physical test here than there is in Spain or in the Bundesliga - I constantly have bruises, but that makes me harder. I feel physically better than ever."

Ozil is currently on international duty with Germany as they prepare for tonight's friendly with Australia in Kaiserslautern.