By Lloyd Webb

Jack Wilshere believes Arsenal’s signing of Mesut Ozil was “massive” for the club.

The Germany international has been in fine form this year for the Gunners and recently broke a Premier League record by claiming assists in seven consecutive matches.

Wilshere used to watch Ozil before he came to Arsenal and says it is “special” to have him as a team-mate.

"It was important to get our first one" Jack Wilshere

“I think we knew what sort of player Mesut was,” Wilshere told Arsenal Player in an exclusive 'Close Up' interview. “His history as a player and the clubs he has played for… to bring him in to play with us was massive.

“I remember watching [the TV on] transfer deadline day and seeing that Arsenal were interested in Mesut Ozil, and you almost didn’t believe it. When he arrived the players were buzzing and the fans were buzzing and I think that gave us all a massive lift.

“I watched him for a few years, he was another player who started off young and went to a big club like Real Madrid. I remember watching him a few times and thinking that this player really understands football. You can tell he really understands football and to play alongside him is something special.”

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Wilshere also believes that winning the FA Cup in 2014 was another significant moment in the club's recent history.

“I think it was important that we won our first trophy after so long," he said. "We had our chance a few years back in the League Cup and we blew it.

“That was really the story of that season and we struggled for a few seasons and finally found our feet again and looked like we had a chance of winning the league. “At the end of the day when you look back at your career you are judged on the trophies you have as player and as a manager so it was important to get our first one.”