EXCLUSIVE
Shkodran Mustafi says that Arsene Wenger being at the club for 20 years influenced his decision to join Arsenal.
The Germany international arrived at Emirates Stadium from Valencia this summer after Wenger identified the 24-year-old as the man to shore up Arsenal’s defence.
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Mustafi has immediately become a fan favourite among the north London faithful and revealed that it was the stability of the club and Wenger - who celebrated 20 years as Gunners boss earlier this month - that played a huge part in his decision to join Arsenal.
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“Sometimes you don’t know how good a coach is if you’re not training him with day in, day out”, Mustafi told Goal.
“Him being the boss of Arsenal was important in the fact that I knew he’s been here a long time and there’s a structure.
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Stability remains crucial in attracting the best players and Mustafi refers to the uncertainty at his previous clubs as to one of the reasons why he joined Arsenal this summer.
Wenger’s contract expires in June 2017 and he has yet to make a decision on his long-term future at the club and Mustafi is hopeful that the Frenchman will stay on as Arsenal boss next season.
“Playing for Valencia and Sampdoria every 12 months I had a new coach and that’s difficult because every time, new coach, different idea, different kind of football.
“Coming here with a coach who's been here 20 years I knew I could come here, fit in and be part of it which makes everything much easier to play. I hope he’s not leaving but he has to make that decision and we will see.”
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