Mesut Ozil said Thursday he was “deeply disappointed” to be removed from Arsenal’s Premier League squad. According to speculation, he played his last game for the London club.
The 32-year-old is the highest-paid player in Arsenal history at $ 650,000 a week but hasn’t been ranked one of the club’s top 25 players.
Ozil has not played a minute for Mikel Arteta’s team since March 7th.
The FIFA World Cup ™ was also removed from the Gunners’ Europa League squad.
In addition to Greek defender Sokratis Papastathopoulos, who has also been eliminated from both squads, Ozil will not be able to represent Arsenal’s U23 until 2021 at the earliest.
“This is difficult news for the Arsenal fans I’ve played for over the last few years,” Ozil said in a statement posted on social media.
“I am deeply disappointed that I am not registered for the Premier League season for the time being.”
Former Germany international Ozil questioned Arsenal’s loyalty after signing his current contract, which expires next year, in January 2018 – at the same time as Alexis Sanchez left the Gunners for Manchester United.
“When I signed my new contract in 2018, I pledged my loyalty and loyalty to the club I love, Arsenal, and I am sad that it was not reciprocated,” said Ozil.
“As I just found out, loyalty is hard to come by these days. I’ve always tried to stay positive from week to week that maybe there is a chance to get back into the squad soon. That’s why I’ve been silent so far. “
Arsenal’s decision sparked a wave of outcry on social media – some for the player and some against.
Media identity and Arsenal’s tragic Piers Morgan took the side of the club. “If Ozil really wanted to play, he would have left the club. He wants to bank the millions, sit on his bum and play the victim. Pathetic, ”he tweeted.
But ex-player turned expert Gary Lineker took Ozil at his word.
“Every footballer wants to play. Not being able to do anything regardless of salary destroys the soul, ”he tweeted.
“You don’t know the inside story. There are always two sides and clubs will turn things around. You can’t just go and play for someone else when you have a contract. Doesn’t work like that. “
“Spot on Gary,” replied ex-Arsenal player Jack Wilshere to Lineker’s tweet. “Especially if you are the best player!”
That month, Ozil offered to pay the salary of Arsenal’s popular mascot Gunnersaurus after Jerry Quy, who has played the role of the dinosaur since 1993, was fired from the club with empty stadiums during the coronavirus crisis.
– AFP
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