Mesut Ozil: 'Arsene Wenger persuaded me to join Arsenal'

Mesut Ozil has claimed that manager Arsene Wenger persuaded him to join Arsenal from Real Madrid.

The German international signed a five-year contract with the Gunners on transfer deadline day for a club-record £42.5m.

"I'm really looking forward to it because I have the faith of the coach," Ozil told Arsenal's official website.

"I had spoken to him at length on the telephone and he explained his plans and that he has faith in me and that is what I need as a player."

Ozil leaves Madrid after three years with the Spanish giants.