23 March 2023 , 08:30
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Bukayo Saka revealed Mesut Ozil was the team-mate who impressed him the most when he first made an impact on Arsenal's first-team.
Ozil announced his retirement on Wednesday, at the age of 34. The German international, who won the World Cup with his country in 2014 and starred in Arsenal's second-place league finish in 2015-16, left the Gunners in 2021 and ended his career in Germany.
A number of former team-mates, including Alexis Sanchez, have spoken of their relationship with the playmaker during his time in North London. Ozil's influence is still being felt at Arsenal, though, thanks to the form of England star Saka.
Saka made his Arsenal debut in 2018 when he came off the bench in a Europa League win against Vorskla Poltava. Later, the forward was asked which senior player impressed him most upon graduating to the first-team, and he singled out Ozil.
"He plays in his own world," Saka told Football Focus. Some of the things he does and you look at him, just wow."
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Saka's first Premier League start came in September 2019, in a home win against Aston Villa. Ozil was also in that matchday squad, but the former Real Madrid man remained on the bench, and had fallen out of favour in North London and played his final game in English football in March 2020.
The form of Saka is one of the reasons why Arsenal have been able to move on since Ozil's exit and mount a title challenge under Mikel Arteta. The 21-year-old has 12 goals and 10 assists this season, and was praised by Arteta after bagging a brace against Crystal Palace on Sunday.
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Mesut Ozil was one of Arsenal's senior players when Buyako Saka broke into the first-team (Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)“We have individuals that excel to be at the level that we want," the manager said in his post-match press conference. "Bukayo was again really good. Really affecting the game with his contribution, especially in the opponent's box. So yes, I'm really happy with him."
Ozil, meanwhile, referenced Arsenal among his other former clubs in his retirement announcement. This is despite a difficult end to life at the Emirates Stadium, where he went months without playing before eventually completing his exit.
"I've had the privilege to be a professional football player for almost 17 years now and I feel incredibly thankful for the opportunity," the veteran wrote. "But in recent weeks and months, having also suffered some injuries, it's become more and more clear that it's time to leave the big stage of football.
"It has been an amazing journey filled with unforgettable moments and emotions. I want to thank my clubs - Schalke 04, Werder Bremen, Real Madrid, Arsenal FC, Fenerbahce, Basaksehir and the coaches who supported me, plus team-mates who have become friends."