Mesut Ozil pays tribute to Arsene Wenger ahead of milestone

Mesut Ozil has admitted that he cannot imagine Arsenal without Arsene Wenger as the Frenchman gears up for his 1,000th game in charge of the north London club.

Wenger is set to become one of only four men in the modern era of English football, including Sir Matt Busby, Ferguson and Dario Gradi to surpass the 1,000-game landmark at one club.

And Ozil, who joined Arsenal in a club-record £42.5m deal from Real Madrid back in September, took to his Facebook page to pay tribute to the 64-year-old manager ahead of Saturday’s trip to Chelsea.

Ozil posted: “On Saturday the boss will celebrate his 1,000th game at Arsenal. What a number.

“We couldn’t imagine the Gunners without him. It was him who brought me to London. Thank you for your trust! ‪#‎Wenger1000‬”

Ozil’s comments come after Arsenal legend Thierry Henry described Wenger as a “father figure” and “mentor”.

“Arsene is more than just a great manager to me because he was a father figure and a mentor,” said Henry. “I will never forget his advice and guidance over the years and without him, I wouldn’t have achieved half the milestones in my career.”