Former team-mates hail ‘unique’ Ozil
Just hours after Madrid had finalised the world-record signing of Gareth Bale, it was confirmed the Spanish giants had agreed a €50 million deal with Arsenal for Ozil.
Having proven himself a valuable member of the Madrid squad since joining from Werder Bremen in 2010, it came as something of a shock that the nine-time European champions were willing to let the 24-year-old playmaker go.
However, Ozil revealed yesterday that he made the decision to leave because he felt he did not have the faith of new coach Carlo Ancelotti or the Madrid hierarchy.
The news of Ozil’s departure caught his former Madrid team-mates unawares. Defender Sergio Ramos said: “Mesut is a different player. If it was up to me he would be one of the last players to go.
“I get on really well with him. He’s a unique player and it’s a shame. These are personal things, he decides his future. Everyone chooses what’s best and he’s free to do what he wants.”
Madrid playmaker Isco, who joined the club from Malaga this summer, added of Ozil’s sale: “To be honest it has surprised me, and more so after he said last week that he was going to stay.
“We all know Ozil, he has a lot of quality and he’s a player who is capable of changing a game.”
Alvaro Arbeloa, who like Madrid team-mates Isco and Ramos is currently on international duty with Spain, echoed the thoughts of his colleagues and admitted Ozil would be missed both on and off the pitch.
He said: “I’m a little bit surprised, it’s a shame, and it’s a big loss to the dressing room, on a footballing level and on a personal level too.
“He’s very different, there’s no player like him in the world.”
Meanwhile, Nicklas Bendtner has vowed to “give everything” to Arsenal this season after failing to secure a move away from the Gunners.
Bendtner said: “It is no secret that Arsenal and myself had agreed that I could leave the club during the 2013 summer transfer window, subject to an agreement between all parties.
“An agreement had been reached with more than one club this week, but as Arsenal were unable to secure the services of another striker, they reserved their right to not sanction any deal to be concluded.
“Naturally, I was very disappointed as I was looking forward to a new challenge, with a new club and a fresh start in English football.
“Many things have been said about where my future lies after many years at Arsenal; the truth is I just want to play football and Arsenal is a fantastic environment for any professional to apply their trade.
“I still feel very strongly about Arsenal and following positive talks with the manager, I am looking forward to working hard to regain full fitness and doing my very best to help to the team and the manager fulfil our objectives and ambitions this season.
“I have learnt a lot from my loan experiences at Sunderland and Juventus, and I want to assure all Arsenal fans that I will give everything I have to contribute to what I believe will be a successful season for the club.”
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