'Everyone' at Arsenal knew Ozil was going to stay, insists Bellerin
Mesut Ozil ended months of speculation by signing a new Arsenal contract at the start of February, though Hector Bellerin never had doubts.
"Everyone" at Arsenal always knew Mesut Ozil was going to commit his future to the club because of the German's passion for the Gunners and London, Hector Bellerin insists.
Reports began to circulate at the end of January that Ozil, who was in the final six months of his previous deal, had agreed a renewal to keep him at the Emirates until 2021.
Arsenal made the agreement official on February 1, ending months of speculation surrounding Ozil's association with the club and providing a further lift to the fanbase following the signing of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang from Borussia Dortmund.
Ozil's future had been the subject of rumours for over a year, but Bellerin says he was always confident the former Real Madrid playmaker was set to stay.
Still unbeaten with Riri February 3, 2018
"Everyone in the training ground, everyone in the team knew he was going to stay," Bellerin told the club's official website.
"He is a guy that loves London, loves Arsenal and he always gets really angry when things don't go well, so you know how much it means for him to win or lose for this club. So I think everyone in the club, the dressing room, was sure.
"It is as exciting as a new signing. To have a player with Mesut's qualities and all he brings to the team to sign for a few more years, it is really exciting for Arsenal and for the fans."
Get FourFourTwo Newsletter
The best features, fun and footballing quizzes, straight to your inbox every week.
‘After Manchester City’s recent form, maybe they’re the underdogs against Manchester United!’ Former Red Devils defender on this weekend’s derby
‘Arteta, Alonso, Emery, me… none of us were physical players – we needed the understanding of the game. That probably helped us move into management’: Premier League boss reveals reasons for natural career progression