• Premier League

Ozil happy with Arsenal's hectic schedule

Arsenal midfielder Mesut Ozil says the busy Christmas programme of games does not bother him - and he'd rather be playing than taking a week off.

Ozil has always been used to a winter break having previously played in Germany and Spain for Schalke, Werder Bremen and Real Madrid.

But while his former La Liga team-mates were putting their feet up, the Gunners recorded back-to-back victories against West Ham, Newcastle United and Cardiff City.

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"Of course it is out of the ordinary because I have always had a winter break in previous years. In the Premier League, you play every few days - you don't get a week to relax," Ozil told Arsenal's official website. "I am very pleased that I am in this league because you go from game to game very quickly.

"You play every two or three days and for me it is better to play more games than train because I love a challenge and here that is perfect. I feel comfortable here. You can see on the pitch when we play together that we have a very good understanding.

"The team is great and for me it's been very easy to settle - the German players here have helped me to establish myself quicker than I perhaps would have done were they not here. But ultimately I feel pleased. The people are very friendly and welcoming."

The German midfielder is in now doubt he can continue to improve as a player at Arsenal.

"I know what I can do and a footballer always strives for more success," he said. "My aim is to develop and improve my game here - but the most important thing is that we play successful football as a team and that, at the end of the season, we win trophies.

"You have personal goals - you want to remain healthy and want to play successful football, but like I said, the most important thing is to be successful with this team."

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