Loving London helps Ozil put Real behind him

Mesut Ozil has dismissed stories in the Spanish press about his perceived lack of professionalism, while also appearing to criticise Real Madrid himself for not affording him full trust — in contrast to Arsenal, where he says he is loving life.

The playmaker’s move to the Emirates was followed by a series of leaked reports which alleged Ozil was only sleeping four hours a night and taking a number of energy-sapping flights to meet his former girlfriend and ex-Miss Venezuela, Aida Yespica. Ozil merely pointed to his game record at Real while countering with a pointed statement about the responsibility he now enjoys at Arsenal.

“Let me talk about Madrid first,” Ozil said at yesterday’s Germany press conference. “I had three fantastic years and would like to leave it at that. I am now happy to play for Arsenal and if you look at the stats of how many matches I made in the last few years, I think that reflects my professionalism.