Arsene Wenger has had a huge impact on Mesut Ozil’s career.Ozil spoke glowingly of Wenger in his 2017 autobiography, explaining how the Arsenal boss helped him to settle upon his arrival in north London from Real Madrid in 2013.“Arsene Wenger, too, helped me acclimatise to London,” Ozil wrote. “He and his entire family made every effort to ensure that my friends and I felt comfortable in London from day one.“When I left for my first game with my new team - an away match against Sunderland - Wenger asked his ex-wife Annie to look after my friends and family so they weren’t hanging around on their own in London.”There are countless other stories detailing Wenger’s generosity.The 68-year-old has announced that he will leave Arsenal at the end of the season, surprising many football fans.The tributes quickly poured in, with past and present Arsenal players expressing their admiration for a man who won the Premier League three times and changed the way football is thought about in England.
Ozil's tweet
Ozil’s message came late but it was well worth the wait.
“Passion, respect and success - that is what Arsene Wenger is all about,” the German playmaker wrote. “Thank u for what you've done for us at Arsenal and the football world.
“I’m grateful for everything you've taught me & all the trust you've put in me no matter how difficult the situation was. Merci Boss!”
Class.
Ozil delivered a longer tribute to Sky Sports.
"He's the main reason I came here, he convinced me and I am proud to have played under him,” the 29-year-old, who has won three FA Cups at the Emirates, said.
"Everyone has a lot of respect for him. He has won many titles, developed some good players and has always played excellent football, so you know as a player if you come here you are going to be able to develop and play in that style.
"He is an honest guy, a very respectful guy, has a good personality, and everybody wants to play under him."
There's no doubting that, while Wenger may have outstayed his welcome at Arsenal, his legacy will be lasting.