Ozil is a Gunner. Not a bad move, Arsene Wenger.

In three years with Real Madrid, Mesut Ozil scored 19 goals and chalked up an astonishing 47 assists. That is the best assist total for any European player in that span of time. He was one of Germany's young stars in the 2010 World Cup and I found him to be very impressive on the big stage. I saw him when he was with Schalke (my fave German club) and even then he was already very good. South Africa introduced him to the World. Check out the comparison with Spain's awesome Xavi in that competition. Ozil wasn't so bad (and to think that he came off the bench).

I was happy when he joined Real Madrid after the World Cup and while wearing Madrid's colours, he's had a very fruitful partnership with Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema up front. 

I was surprised that when Carlo Ancelotti took over as Madrid boss, he let go of his former Milan player Kaka and Ozil who is now with Arsenal. That is a hell of a lot of balls to bring over Gareth Bale to the Bernabeu. Of course, I want the Welsh national to succeed. But I am sure they (Fiorentino Perez and Ancelotti) must have considered that of the over five British nationals to play for Los Merengues, it is only Steve McManaman who has had a very good career with them. 

During the recent transfer window Ozil was linked with moves to Manchester United and Paris Saint-Germain but in the end, he chose Arsenal that is starved for some big signing. The German's move to London will make that midfield even more magical. I know they need an out-and-out striker that they've not had since Rob van Persie was in those parts but one thing at a time. 

The cool thing about going to Arsenal is that they are a team that likes to pass and with some flair too. He's got two other German teammates in Per Mertesacker and Lukas Podolski and a manager (Arsene Wenger) who also speaks German! He'll get playing time and that should find him in form for Germany because the World Cup is just around the corner. Sunderland awaits!

With Lukas Podolski

In a poll of Real Madrid fans, close to 70% of supporters are unhappy over Ozil's departure. In fact, AS magazine chose to lament the German international's departure on the cover as opposed to celebrating the arrival of Gareth Bale! Several of Ozil's teammates from Ronaldo, Sami Khedira, Alvaro Albeloa, Sergio Ramos, and Isco didn't bother to hide their concern about his departure. 

Welcome to Real Madrid, Gareth Bale. Here's hoping you survive the experience.