Mesut Ozil turned down 'crazy offers' from Asia to stay at Arsenal, says his agent

Posted Wednesday, November 14, 2018 by Skysports.com

Mesut Ozil turned down 'crazy offers' from Asia to stay at Arsenal, says his agent
Mesut Ozil signed a new three-and-a-half-year deal at Arsenal in February

Arsenal midfielder Mesut Ozil turned down "crazy offers" from Asia before committing his future to Arsenal, according to his agent Dr Erkut Sogut.

Ozil, 30, signed a three-and-a-half-year contract extension at Arsenal in February following weeks of uncertainty regarding his future at the Emirates Stadium.

His agent has now revealed he chose to remain with the Gunners despite receiving lucrative offers to play in Asia because of his emotional attachment to the north London club.

"We had some really big offers from Asia, there were some crazy offers. But for Mesut, money was by no means the biggest factor," he told the Evening Standard.

"Money is definitely one important thing to consider, but people must remember that footballing ability is just one aspect of a contract negotiation. The commercial impact of a footballer is crucial nowadays.

Mesut Ozil turned down 'crazy offers' from Asia to stay at Arsenal, says his agent
Arsenal manager Unai Emery named Ozil as one of his five club captains

"Mesut has the biggest social media following of any player in the Premier League and I just read that his shirt numbers (sales) were the largest at the club. So, the commercial side is very big with a player like Mesut, who has played in different countries and was the No 10 of the national team, where he won the World Cup.

"His market is worldwide. The club makes money out of these players as well, but it came down to what was in his heart."

Ozil has made 12 appearances for Arsenal under Unai Emery this season and has been captain in recent fixtures.