Quotes from Mesut Ozil

I am happy to be playing in the Premier League because everyone knows it is the strongest league in the world. There are simply a lot of top teams.

Everyone has a right to say what they want, but what they have to say doesn't interest me.

I'm a person who prefers to play games rather than train.

I knew before I came to Arsenal what kind of players were here. And of course, in training, you can see how many good players are here; the most important thing is that we work well as a team - that's the most important thing.

For us, it wasn't important to have a big house, a few cars, always have the newest clothes. Solidarity as a family was important. We were there for each other and always will be.

When I look into the future and where I'd like to live, I'll say Germany because I grew up there and like the discipline the people have. But my background is from Zonguldak in Turkey. I'm there a lot.

I am very, very proud I am also Turkish and both of my parents are from Turkey. I was born in Germany and grew up there. By playing football, I learned my different cultures, and that is an advantage if you grow up as a person. You get a different view on certain things. I am very, very thankful I was able to pick the best from many cultures.

I am the sort of player that likes to create goals. I think a lot of my team-mates know me as a player who is not selfish.

I'm third generation. I was born in Germany, grew up in Germany, and many of my friends are German. I love playing for Germany. I'm proud I can play for the national team.

I had a great manager in Jose Mourinho, who really helped me. He was always there when I needed him.

I used to wear the German shirt with such pride and excitement, but now I don't. I feel unwanted and think that what I have achieved since my international debut in 2009 has been forgotten.

People wrote so negatively about me, but generally, the people who are familiar with football know my strengths and abilities.

I'm so proud to play for a big club like Arsenal.