Mesut Ozil says he is not feeling the pressure of leading Arsenal to a first trophy in over eight years.
The Germany international has been credited with giving the Gunners fresh belief since his £42.5m move from Real Madrid this summer and Arsene Wenger’s side sit top of the Premier League and their Champions League group.
Ozil’s arrival in North London has raised expectations as well as his teammates performances but the 25-year-old says he does not feel pressure, having played for Real.
“I have played for Real Madrid, which is such a big club and where the pressure is so huge because you have to go and, really, win absolutely every game,” he told The Guardian.
“There is no game where people don’t expect you to win. So, having played there for three years, pressure is nothing that would scare me. That’s why I don’t really feel the pressure.”
Ozil is expected to start his third league game in a week when Arsenal host Everton on Sunday and will play over the Christmas and New Year period for the first time this season, having previously experienced winter breaks in Germany and Spain.
The playmaker says he is unconcerned by the busy schedule and says he is loving the physicality and intensity of the Premier League.
“I’m a person who prefers to play games rather than train. I don’t know how it will be to play over Christmas and the new year, as I’m used to having the winter break; one or even two weeks off but I’m looking forward to it.
“The game is more physical than I am used to but for an offensive player, it is very interesting to play in such great atmospheres. At every ground, the atmosphere is just phenomenal. I also have to say that the fans here are very fair.
“The Premier League is the best league in the world, it’s so strong. The smaller teams love to try their chances against the big ones and this is why the game goes back and forth. That can be strenuous, tough on you and your body but I really love it.”
[Fanatix]