Mesut Ozil has told Sport Bild that he has "never experienced anything like" the support he receives at Arsenal and cited a chant about him being "better than Zidane" as an example of his relationship with the club.
Ozil's contract at Arsenal expires in 2018 and he is yet to commit to a longer deal leading to speculation about his future, but comments about his pride at the fans' love for him hint at a favourable resolution.
"You know what made me proud? That day, the Arsenal fans sang the Ozil song," Ozil said of the first time he heard the chant. "I've never experienced anything like it at any other club. It gives me goose bumps every time the fans sing that song."
During the 2015-16 season when Ozil set up 19 Premier League goals, just one short of the record, set by Thierry Henry in 2002-03, Arsenal fans adapted West Ham's song about Dimitri Payet set to the tune of Billy Ray Cyrus' Achy Breaky Heart, and sang: "We've got Ozil, Mesut Ozil, I just don't think you understand. He's Arsene Wenger's man, he's better than Zidane."
Ozil is often singled out for criticism due to perceptions about his body language and attitude on the pitch but the Germany international said that was "extreme" and highlighted his accomplishments.
"People know what I have achieved. That I am a World Cup winner, played for Real Madrid, set up 20 goals last season [in all competitions]. When the team's on a bad run, somebody needs to be singled out, sadly most of the time it's me," Ozil said, adding that he's become tougher over the years.
When Real Madrid take on German champions Bayern Munich in the Champions League quarterfinals Ozil said his allegiance will come down on the side of Los Blancos.
"Of course my heart beats for Real," he said. "I played there and still have many friends to this day in the team and in the club. Therefore I'm keeping my fingers crossed for Real, even against Bayern"
Meanwhile, Germany head coach Joachim Low told Sport Bild that Ozil was "one of the best players in the No. 10 position in the world."
"His passes, his touch of the ball are unique," Low said. "He plays his passes directly into the running path of his teammates, exactly where they have to go. That's Mesut's big strength, and Cristiano Ronaldo profited from it at Real.
"Sure, his performances are patchy sometimes. But he does things, which not everyone sees at first glance. Even when he is not at his best, he usually has the best running performances at the highest intensity. He covers a lot of ground, and a few don't realise it.
"Mesut can make the difference."