Mesut Ozil has provided an update to Arsenal supporters as his exile from the first team set-up continues.
The German midfielder, who has not played for the club since March, was left out of the Gunners’ 25-man Premier League squad after the closure of both the international and domestic transfer windows.
Ozil’s contract at the Emirates expires at the end of the season, but it is understood that Arsenal were ready to let the midfielder leave in the summer to get his £350,000-a-week wages off the books.
The German previously out at the Gunners in a statement on social media, slamming a lack of loyalty, but Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has defender his decision to omit the playmaker from his plans.
![[FILE] Liverpool’s Egyptian midfielder Mohamed Salah (L) runs with the ball as Arsenal’s Brazilian defender Gabriel closes in during the English Premier League football match between Arsenal and Liverpool at the Emirates Stadium in London. (Photo by Catherine Ivill / POOL / AFP)](https://www.afriupdate.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/000_97B779-scaled-e1703231851386-120x86.jpg "Liverpool host Arsenal in battle for Premier League Christmas No. 1 1")
“What I can tell you that I tried my best, I tried to give him as many opportunities as I could,” Arteta told Sky Sports.
“And that from my own side, I’ve been patient, given him opportunities and been fair.
“He’s a player that belongs to a football club, he’s been a really important player in the last few seasons. I have to respect that, I’m here to make decisions, the best decisions for the team and for the club.
“This is what I try to do and then I have to explain them because people need the reasons and the right answers. I just give mine, whether they believe me or agree with me or not, there’s nothing I can do.
“But I have to put my decisions, with my heart and with my brain to make the right decisions that I believe are good.”
Ozil will be watching from home as his teammates travel to Old Trafford on Sunday to face Manchester United.
Ahead of the game, the 32-year-old showed that he is still keeping in shape by posting a video on Instagram of himself working out in the gym.
The caption read: “The struggles along the way are only meant to shape you for your purpose.”
Ozil’s agent, Dr Erkut Sogut, previously took aim at the club and hoped that there would be a U-turn.
“He could have left for another club like Alexis Sanchez,” he said.
“He could have left and got a £30m signing-on fee as a free agent at the peak of his career. But he stayed loyal.
“Maybe the club will change their position in January and register him. You never know what will happen.”
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