The German superstar has been excluded from the Gunners' 25-man Premier League squad which is the final nail in the coffin of his Arsenal career

Tuesday brought the final nail to the coffin that is Mesut Ozil’s Arsenal career. After tons of speculation, the Gunners submitted their Premier League squad for the 2020/21 campaign and as speculated, the German playmaker was left out of the 25-man team. The superstar, who might have had a hunch this was coming, has now broken his silence in an emotional statement.

The World Cup winner’s situation at the Emirates Stadium has been a controversial one. The 32-year-old midfielder has been an inconsistent and polarizing figure at the Emirates Stadium for years. Regardless, he remains one of their most naturally-gifted player at a club lacking creative players. On top of that, the former Real Madrid man is their highest earner, picking up a whopping £350,000 per week.

Regardless of his high wages, Ozil has found it impossible to find playing time. Despite enjoying a lovely start upon Mikel Arteta’s arrival, the German was frozen out of the squad upon returning from the COVID-19 suspension and has not featured for the club since March.

Arteta hinted that there could be a route back at the beginning of the season but after snubbing him for the League Cup, it became evident that there is no future for the 2014 World Cup winner. Mesut, who has been issuing positive statements during this ordeal, has now addressed his exclusion from the Gunners’ Premier League squad. The playmaker understandably could not hide his disappointment at being left out.

“This is a difficult message to write to the Arsenal fans that I’ve played for over the past few years. I’m really deeply disappointed by the fact that I have not been registered for the Premier League season for the time being,” he wrote. 

“Upon signing my new contract in 2018, I pledged my loyalty and allegiance to the club that I love, Arsenal, and it saddens me that this has not been reciprocated. As I have just found out, loyalty is hard to come by nowadays. I've always tried to remain positive from week to week that there's maybe a chance to get back in the squad soon again. That's why I kept silent so far. Before the Coronavirus break I was really happy with the development under our new coach Mikel Arteta - we've been on a positive way and I would say my performances were on a really good level. 

“But then things changed, again, and I was not longer allowed to play football for Arsenal. What else can I say? London still feels like home, I still have many good friends in this team, and I still feel a strong connection with the fans of this club. No matter what, I will keep fighting for my chance and not let my 8th season at Arsenal end like this. I can promise you that this hard decision won't change anything in my mindset - I will continue to train as best as I can and wherever possible use my voice against inhumanity and for justice.”

Sokratis was the other senior player to be omitted but it was Ozil’s exclusion that grabbed the headlines. The midfielder has also been left out of the Europa League squad and will thus play no part in Thursday’s showdown with Rapid Wien.

 

Match details, result and original broadcast info

Rapid Wien 1 - 2 Arsenal

October 22, 2020 12:55pmAllianz Stadion (Wien)

This match has ended. Below are the original Live broadcast details for this match.

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