Ozil dreams of Arsenal European success
CAPE TOWN — Mesut Ozil says he dreams of winning the Champions League with Arsenal where he is “comfortable” and contracted until 2018.
With the Gunners eliminated from this season’s European competition by Bayern Munich with a 10-2 aggregate scoreline while also slipping down into sixth on the Premier League standings, the club are unlikely to claim any honours this season.
But Ozil, who is expected to leave the Emirates at the end of the season, says he remains hopeful of claiming Champions League honours with his current club.
He is expected to hold talks with Arsenal over his future before deciding whether or not to sign a contract extension.
Speaking to German newspaper Die Welt, he said: “Do you think Arsene Wenger tells the journalists [about my future] before he tells me? I know him differently.
“I have a contract until 2018 in London and I feel very comfortable there. We’ll talk soon and then make a decision.”
He added: “My dream is to win the Champions League. Why not with Arsenal? Of course, we just have a difficult time and are not satisfied with sixth place.
“I am convinced, however, that we will catch up again soon. Let’s see what the future holds.”
Ozil overcame a back-problem to come on as a second-half substitute in Germany’s 4-1 World Cup qualifying win against Azerbaijan on Sunday.
Meanwhile, Thierry Henry has refused to rule out the possibility of succeeding Arsene Wenger as Gunners’ boss, but has doubts as to his readiness for the job.
The Arsenal legend, who currently works as Roberto Martinez’s assistant in the Belgium international setup, spoke with Canal Plus about the rumours linking him with the job.
“It doesn’t depend on me,” the 39-year old said. “There are things to be respected, it’s my club of heart but I do not have any right.”
Arsene Wenger, Arsenal’s long-serving manager, is out of contract at the end of the season, and with the club’s recent drop in form, many expect the Frenchman to either move on by his own choice or not have his contract renewed.
“My name is quoted to succeed Wenger, I hear that,” Henry continued. “But it’s hard for me to talk about it. I have a lot of respect for everything the coach has done.
“Am I ready? I don’t know and nobody knows, but I also need to learn my job.”
“I will not be a consultant all my life, but coaching is not my aim,” added Henry.
“I have not fixed any goal in the head, I will love it and I will do everything for it. But, right now, I’m in