Mesut Ozil has revealed he was ‘tempted’ by a big money move to China in January.
The German playmaker is out of contract at the end of next season and talks over a new deal have been shelved until the summer.
The 28-year-old joined Arsenal from Real Madrid for £42.5million in 2013 but has drawn negative press and criticism from both pundits and fans alike for his lack of movement and disinterested body language.
With his future in doubt, Ozil has been linked with a move away from the Emirates this summer, with the likes of Manchester United and Fenerbahce reportedly keen on his services.
However, the German international has recently revealed that he turned down a £100million mega move to the Chinese Super League over January, but was ‘tempted’ by the offer on the table.
Speaking to Goal.com, the midfielder said:
“Money never played a big role for me in football. I play football because I love it. Sure, you do not earn peanuts and the offer from China was tempting and interesting.’
“But as I said: Money is not everything. I want to win titles and I have my goals I want to achieve. That is more important than money. That’s why I said from the beginning, that China is not an option for me.”
With no new contract in sigh just yet, Ozil has dropped big hints that he will remain at Arsenal for the foreseeable future:
“I simply love to live here. London is a world city. There is so much you can do. There are many different cultures here and I just feel very, very comfortable. The club is huge and I enjoy playing for Arsenal.”
“What’s important for me is that we develop as a team and reach our goals. is awesome.”
A lot of Arsenal fans would’ve loved to see him leave for China in January following some lacklustre performances for the Gunners this season, while some will be happy to hear that he enjoys life at the Emirates and wants to ‘reach goals’ with the club.
