Arsenal midfielder Mesut Ozil has released a raw and emotional statement, seeming to question the club's "loyalty".
The 32-year-old, who has not featured for Mikel Arteta's side this season and was left out of Arsenal's squad 25-man Premier League squad, shared the message with his 25 million followers on Twitter.
"This is a difficult message to write to the Arsenal fans that I've played for over the past few years," Ozil began. "I'm really deeply disappointed by the fact that I have not been registered for the Premier League season for the time being.
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"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."
The former Germany international went on to explain that his silence on his absence was due to his hope that his performances would see him return to the Arsenal side.
"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," he continued. "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."
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"But then things changed, again, and I was no 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."
Ozil has become a divisive figure among Arsenal fans. The playmaker has long been a crowd favourite and has always displayed his love for the club. But some supporters now see him as a player taking up a reported £350,000 per week in wages, and would rather he moved on if he isn't in Arteta's future plans.
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"The way they are treating you is a disgrace," replied one Arsenal fan. "The greatest player of the Emirates era who joined us, stuck by us and loved this club during its hardest period."
Others were less supportive with one reply reading: "Thanks for not showing up away from home. Thanks for soaking when subbed. Thanks for all your fanboys. Please take them with you to your next club."
Where does this leave Ozil and Arsenal in your opinion? Let us know in the comments.
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All imagery: PA Images/Twitter
Featured Image Credit:Topics: Football News, Arsenal News, Football, Mesut Ozil, Arsenal
