Mesut Ozil has won the German player of the year award for the fifth time in his career, and has hinted at an Arsenal stay.

According to DFB.de, the German international picked up the award with a whopping 54.5% of the votes, ahead of Real Madrid star Toni Kroos and FC Koln left-back Jonas Hector, who had 33.9% and 4% of the votes respectively.

This marks the fifth time that Ozil has won the award in his career, having also picked up the honour in 2011, 2012, 2013 and 2015. Ozil expressed his pleasure at winning the award yet again, while also saying that he was happy in London, which could be a hint that he will sign an extension with Arsenal :

“I was happy about the award, of course. Since last season I have just arrived in the Premier League. I have stayed largely free of injury and I also feel very comfortable in London. Playfully, I try to be a bit more selfish in front of the goal, this season has often worked well,” he said, according to DFB.de.

Ozil also revealed that he had changed several things over the past year which has helped him improve his game :

“I have a few things changed in the last year, for example, my diet and training. This helps me to regenerate faster after games and reduces the vulnerability. And of course you can not lose your desire to kick. But that is not for me”

LONDON, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 10: Mesut Ozil of Arsenal celebrates scoring his sides second goal during the Premier League match between Arsenal and Stoke City at the Emirates Stadium on December 10, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)
Germany’s No.1 : Mesut Ozil has picked up the German Player of the Year award for the fifth time in his career. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)

The German has been in fine form for the Gunners this season, picking up nine goals and six assists in 24 appearances across all competitions. Ozil’s form has dipped recently as he has struggled for fitness after an illness, but along with Alexis Sanchez, he represents Arsenal’s best hope at any success this season.

Ozil recently said that he was very happy at Arsenal and insisted that the club knows he is open to signing a new contract, but he also came under fire for saying that he was waiting to see what Arsene Wenger’s future held before finally making a decision.

However, reports emerged yesterday that Arsene Wenger was set to sign a new deal in March and this should be a big boost for Arsenal in any contract negotiations with both the German playmaker and Alexis Sanchez, who is also locked in negotiations with the Gunners.

Both players have only 18 months left on their deal and the fear is growing among Arsenal fans that one or both of them could easily leave at the end of this season. Given Ozil’s comments though, it appears that the German international is definitely open to extending his stay with the Gunners.

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