Shkodran Mustafi has said that he always put Arsenal first when having to deal with the disappointment of an extended period out of the starting lineup.

During the closing months of Unai Emery's reign, Mustafi found himself on the sidelines, with the Spaniard having also been open to selling the centre-back.

However, with newly-appointed boss Mikel Arteta heaping praise on the 27-year-old after his performance against Burnley on Sunday, Mustafi has opened up on his mindset during his time as backup.

The Germany international told the Evening Standard: "At the end of the day we know how it is in football. You always get your chances, you always get the possibilities to go again and go again and when you start thinking like you said, I think it's when you retire from football.

"It's not the way a professional should think. For me it's always been the same, I always try to put my personal stuff behind me and be there for the team. Always when the team needed me I wanted to be there, not only in the games but as well in training."

Mustafi has been restricted to just 11 starts and two substitute appearances in all competitions this season.