Mesut Ozil: Robert Pires gives backing to Arsenal playmaker, saying 'I was terrible in my first season too'

Arsenal great gives his support to the club's record signing

Mesut Ozil and Robert Pires have a chat during Arsenal training (GETTY IMAGES)

Arsenal legend Robert Pires has given his backing to the club's record signing Mesut Ozil, claiming that it takes time to adapt in the Premier League.

Pires, who had been training with the north London club this season, joked that he was "terrible" in his first season as well. The Frenchman, 40, joined from Marseille for £6m in 2000, and took time to settle in his first season before becoming one of the greatest players to wear an Arsenal shirt, winning two Premier League titles and three FA Cup trophies.

Ozil has scored one goal and made two assists in his last 10 matches for the club, and is currently sidelined with a hamstring injury for at least another two weeks.

"Mesut is a very good player," Pires said of the £42.5m German, who signed from Real Madrid on deadline day last summer.

"For Mesut, it is very difficult. The tempo is not the same. He was like me. I remember the first season was terrible."

Pires added that Arsenal can still win the Premier League title, but only if they defeat rivals Manchester City on Saturday. The Gunners are in fourth place, six points off leaders Chelsea.

"I hope. It is my dream like for the fans, like for Wenger, like for the players," he said. "But it depends on Saturday. If Arsenal win Saturday [they still have a chance]."