Unai Emery has his No.10, but will the mercurial Ozil step up to the challenge in the coming season?
Germany and Arsenal midfielder Mesut Ozil (Photo: AFP)
Mesut Ozil will be donning the coveted No.10 jersey at Arsenal next season following Jack Wilsheer’s departure and the German has revealed that his inspiration behind the number is legendary French midfielder Zinedine Zidane.
Zidane, who is among the few to have had a successful playing and managerial career both, wore the No.10 for country France and club Real Madrid both.
A silky player, not dissimilar to Ozil, capable of turning the tide of the match with a moment of briliance, he was widely considered as as one of the finest midfielders on the planet from the 90s to 2006, when he hung up his boots for good.
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Last seen managing Real to an unprecedented three-peat of UEFA Champions League titles, the former midfielder then announced his shock departure, citing a need for a rest behind his decision.
Ozil, a divisive figure at the Emirates, dons the No.10 jersey for the German national team as well.
Arsenal fans will be hoping the Turkish-origin midfielder’s performances for club are better than they were for his country though.
Die Mannschaft, heavy favourites, crashed out of the 2018 FIFA World Cup at the group stages itself after losing two of their three games in Russia as defending champions.
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And in a post shared by Arsenal’s official Instagram handle, Ozil revealed his reason behind switching from his customary No.11 to 10 for his club:
After a quick break to recharge his batteries, Ozil is expected to link up with his club teammates next week for pre-season training.
The Gunners got their preparations for the upcoming campaign underway on Tuesday, with those players not participating at the World Cup all present.
Unai Emery’s first season in charge is an eagerly anticipated one for the North Londoners but a tough opening round of fixtures may force fans to temper expectations.
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After hosting defending champions Manchester City on Matchday 1, the Gunners travel to Stamford Bridge to take on familiar foes Chelsea in the following week.
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