Wilshere – I couldn’t believe we signed Ozil

Arsenal midfielder Jack Wilshere has praised Arsene Wenger for completing the signing of Mesut Ozil on Transfer Deadline Day of September 2013.

The German became the Gunners’ most expensive ever signing at a reported £42.4m, bringing a plethora of experience and talent into the side. Now his teammate, Wilshere admitted that he ‘couldn’t believe it’ when he heard of the interest in the World Cup winner.

I think we knew what sort of player Mesut was.

His history as a player and the clubs he has played for… to bring him in to play with us was massive.

I remember watching [the TV on] transfer deadline day and seeing that Arsenal were interested in Mesut Ozil, and you almost didn’t believe it. When he arrived the players were buzzing and the fans were buzzing and I think that gave us all a massive lift.

I watched him for a few years, he was another player who started off young and went to a big club like Real Madrid. I remember watching him a few times and thinking that this player really understands football. You can tell he really understands football and to play alongside him is something special.

Wilshere is currently out on the sidelines with a leg injury he picked up in an accident, fracturing a hairline – an injury which has kept him out of action since August.

The England international is unlikely to return before the new year, but is targeting being back on the pitch by the end of January at the earliest, although mid-to-late February is more likely.

Meanwhile, the Gunners get back in action on Monday when they take on title contenders Manchester City at the Emirates Stadium.