Mesut Ozil has revealed that finishing above Tottenham was a ‘nice end to the campaign’ but that he would have preferred to win the league.

Speaking to the German national team website, the midfielder, who was, unsurprisingly, included in the German team for the Euros, also cleared up why he didn’t play against Slovakia (he was rested after a long season with Arsenal), how it felt to be named Arsenal Player of the Season.

Germany's midfielder Mesut Ozil warms up during a training session as part of the team's preparation for the upcoming Euro 2016 European football championships, on May 28, 2016 in Ascona. / AFP / PATRIK STOLLARZ
Germany’s midfielder Mesut Ozil warms up during a training session as part of the team’s preparation for the upcoming Euro 2016 European football championships, on May 28, 2016 in Ascona. / AFP / PATRIK STOLLARZ

He was first asked if he considered finishing second a success. “I guess so”, Ozil replied. “Tottenham lost heavily on the final weekend of the season and we got to overtake them thanks to a victory. It was certainly a nice end to the campaign. Finishing second was great, but obviously it would have been better to win the league.

“…at that point [before Christmas] no one would have believed that they [Leicester] would win the league! Everyone was surprised. They deserve a lot of credit – they were consistent throughout the season and fully deserved to win the title.”

He’s not wrong. At that point, even the online betting and slots experts were adamant that Leicester could not possibly win the league. In the end, they made fools out of everyone.

Ozil continued, “I’m proud that I helped the team do well this term and claiming the [Player of the Season] award just shows that the fans value my efforts. It’s nice to receive credit for it. However, I wouldn’t have been able to win it without the help of my team mates and colleagues.”

Arsenal won’t have many players at this year’s summer tournament, but the ones we do have are sure to shine with Mesut likely to be the brightest (although Hector Bellerin will surely push him close)