After many speculations regarding Ozil’s future at Arsenal, let’s take a look at his career and see what could have possibily went wrong.
Having watched Ozil going through the different ranks at the German NT, you can tell that he was always destined for stardom. His first major experience came through when he joined Werder Bremen from Schalke, helping them win the 2009 DFB Pokal with a goal in the final against Leverkusen. The next season Ozil took the next step in his career where he registered 9 goals and 17 assists, which led him to the World Cup. That summer, he scored the memorable volley against Ghana to ensure that Germany progresses as group leaders. He then, finished the tournament strong and was nominated along 10 other players for the WC Golden Ball.
After that WC, the sky was the limit for Ozil. He then joined the spanish giants Real Madrid where he recorded a stunning 25 assists in his debut season and another 29 assists in his third season winning the La Liga assist leader for three consecutive years. In my opinion, Mourinho made Ozil a beast with his counter attacking football.
Unfortunately every fairytale must come to an end, especially at Madrid, with Florentino Perez in charge and his obssession for breaking the transfer record every season. This led him to sign Isco and sell Ozil in order to make space for the famous Gareth Bale trade. Even Madrid fans did not want Ozil to leave. Here below is a video at Bale’s presentation where they were screaming to Perez not to sell the German star.
On September 2nd 2013, Ozil agreed to join Arsenal on a 5 years (50 Million) deal making him the most expensive German player of all time. Ozil said regarding the transfer:
At the weekend, I was certain I would stay at Real Madrid but afterwards I realised I did not have the faith from the coach or the bosses. I am a player who needs this faith and that is what I have felt from Arsenal, which is why I have joined.
Mesut made an instant impact during his career at Arsenal leading them to an FA Cup and ending their 9 years trophy-drought.
The Good or The Villain?
What could have possibly went wrong with Ozil’s Arsenal career then? So many factors come to mind. From his famous picture with Turkey’s president Erdogan, to being made a skapegoat by Germany’s disastrous WC campaign despite creating greater chances per game on average than any other player in the tournament (5.5). After these accusations, and racial abuse, Ozil decided to retire from the NT with a heartfelt announcement:
I feel unwanted and think that what I have achieved since my international debut in 2009 has been forgotten.
Not to forget his famous beef with Unai Emery when Ozil tweeted “not a coach” for subbing him out of the UEL final.
Furthermore, contreversial tweets about the treatment of Uighur Muslims in China led the latter to ban Arsenal from appearing on TV and to order the removal of Ozil’s images from the country. Despite everything he went through, Ozil showed honesty, respect and support to the club. He even held a Q&A on twitter where he said the following:
Now, some might say that Ozil is selfish, especially after refusing to accept a paycut from Arsenal. Although, he clarified his refusal and showed willingness to consent a larger cut, he has been scapegoated again by the press. On the other hand, you don’t see the press talking about the time he paid for the surgery of 1,000 children or even when he offered to pay the salary of Jerry Quy, Arsenal’s mascot Gunnersaurus that served the club for 27 years. Knowing that Arsenal sacked 55 staff-members, signed Willian for £200,000/week and gave Aubameyang £375,000/week.
There were a lot of speculations in the news that Ozil did not want to leave Arsenal. He even asked to be included again in 2020-2021 but the club did not agree! Was the refusal based on footballing reasons? After all Ozil was and still is a worldclass player that any club can benefit from especially Arsenal. Unfortunately, and based on the famous quote of Harvey Dent from Batman.
You either die a hero, or you live long enough to see yourself become the villain.
Personally, I believe that Ozil will always remain a great player who made his presence felt whether on or off the pitch. If rumors are true and he did go to Fenerbahce, he will of course be a great added value. Although I am surprised that no elite European club is willing to sign him which might seem a bit contreversial.
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Great delivery. Solid arguments. Keep up the good work.
Thank you, Glad you liked it