Every great adventure has a journey. And every journey has a story behind it. Nowhere is that more true than in football.

From fans who follow their side across the country to the clubs themselves whose season can definitely be described as a journey. Europcar, Arsenal’s official car and van rental partner, understands that the journey is just important as the destination. They have been exploring the ‘Footballing journey’ this season to discover the stories behind some great and meaningful journeys.

They recently managed to sit down with three Arsenal players to find out about their footballing journeys throughout their careers…

As one of the best players in the world, Mesut Ozil will be no stranger to regularly travelling the world as part of his job.

The Arsenal superstar and Germany international is one of the most recognised names in the game and has represented the Gunners across Europe in the Champions League and Germany in World Cups and European Championships.

With so much travelling experience, Ozil will have lots of stories to tell, as well as his own preferences when being on the road.

From being late to his first meeting at Real Madrid to travelling to Germany’s World Cup semi-final in Brazil, the creative midfielder has been there, seen it and done it when it comes to travelling.

Ozil sat down with Europcar, Arsenal’s official car and van rental partner, to talk about his travelling habits. He names the people he likes to travel with most, the one thing he can’t be without while one the move and the best place he enjoys travelling to…

Worst journey to a match?

My first year in Madrid we had a meeting as a team and I forgot it, drover to the training ground and all the team was somewhere else. I waited and after 30 minutes I called them to say ‘where are you guys’? We had a dinner and I ended up being two hours late, it was my first year and I was a bit nervous – there were all these big players and big coaches so it was a big big mistake. I didn’t get fined, the coach just smiled and said it can happen so sit down and enjoy the night. I was very relieved!

Aside from Emirates Stadium which ground is your favourite to travel to?

Here to the training ground, because we spend a lot of time here. Every day, laughing, enjoying our time here, so I would say here at London Colney.

Which is your favourite ground to play at?

It’s difficult to say there are so many great grounds, I would probably say Liverpool. The atmosphere is great.

Most memorable journey to a match?

I think the journey to the World Cup semi-final, because we drove on the bus to the stadium and all the Brazil fans were singing around the bus. It was huge, even before the game started. The national anthem was really loud and it was an amazing feeling. Also, the ride to my first FA Cup Final with Arsenal. I’ll never forget that.

Name one item you can’t travel without...

Of course my mobile so that I can speak with my family and friends.

Are you early, late or on time?

I think I’m always on time.

Driver or passenger?

The passenger, so that I can relax!

City or countryside for driving?

Countryside.

Car journey anthem?

I like to listen to Turkish music, so something by Tarkan.

Favourite country to road trip in?

I haven’t done a big driving holiday but I like to spend time in LA and I drive where I am there because it is so big.

Favourite companion on a long journey?

I have a lot of friends, I grew up with them and we’re always in contact. We text or call each other every day.

Read about Granit Xhaka and Hector Bellerin's travelling habits, too!