Mesut Ozil has signed a new contract with Arsenal (Picture: Instagram)

Mesut Ozil has made ‘one of the most important decisions of his footballing career’ to sign a new deal at Arsenal.

The German’s previous contract was set to expire in the summer and Arsenal fans have feared he would follow Alexis Sanchez in leaving.

But Arsenal confirmed on Thursday afternoon that the 29-year-old had committed his future to Arsenal by signing a new long-term contract.

Writing on Instagram, Ozil said: ‘Proud to announce: I signed dat thing… 3 more years with Arsenal!

‘It’s been one of the most important decisions of my footballing career and that’s why I had to think hard and talk with everyone who’s important to me…

‘Good things take time! In the end I let my heart decide. As I always said, I feel at home here and I’m highly motivated to achieve big things in the next few years. Once a Gunner, always a Gunner.’

https://www.instagram.com/p/BeqTYo8BPtr/?hl=en&taken-by=m10_official

Ozil, who signed for Arsenal in 2013 from Real Madrid, had been locked in contract talks for several months but has finally agreed a new three-and-a-half-year deal.

Over the past few months, Manchester United have been linked with a stunning move for Ozil, with Jose Mourinho a known admirer of the German from their time together at Real.

But the Red Devils will be forced to turn to alternative targets after Arsenal tied Ozil down to a new deal, believed to be worth around £350,000-a-week.

In a statement, the club said: ‘We’re delighted to announce that Mesut Ozil has signed a new long-term contract with us.

‘Mesut has won the Emirates FA Cup three times since joining us in 2013, making 182 appearances, scoring 36 goals and racking up 61 assists.

‘He’s a World Cup winner too, of course, lifting that trophy with Germany in 2014.

‘Mesut has been in sparkling form this season too, scoring four goals, claiming seven assists and creating 70 chances in 21 appearances in all competitions.

‘Congratulations Mesut – here’s to many more years of success.’

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