Arsenal star Mesut Ozil has rejected the club's 12.5 per cent pay cut amid the coronavirus crisis.
Ozil, 31, wants to see the full financial impact of the global pandemic before making a decision on his huge wage, according to Mirror.
Advert
The German midfielder is the club's highest earner on £350,000-a-week. He's one of three Arsenal players to turn down the wage deferral proposal.
He's made it clear he respects the other players and the group decision but has urged them to respect his stance on the situation.
Needless to say, Ozil's decision got football fans talking including a scathing rant from Piers Morgan, who slammed the player.
"Shame on you Mesut Ozil," he said on Good Morning Britain. "This is why some players get a bad rap."
Arsenal have become the first club to agree cuts with their squad after ten days of intense talks. They will take a 12.5 per cent drop for 12 months until March next year.
Advert
However, the Gunners will reimburse the money in full if they qualify for the Champions League either this season or next and will play the players a £100,000 bonus, too.
A club statement reads: "We are pleased to announce that we have reached a voluntary agreement with our first-team players, head coach and core coaching staff to help support the club at this critical time.
"The move follows positive and constructive discussions.
Advert
"In these conversations there has been a clear appreciation of the gravity of the current situation caused by the Covid-19 pandemic and a strong desire for players and staff to show their backing for the Arsenal family.
"Reductions of total annual earnings by 12.5 per cent will come into effect this month, with the contractual paperwork being completed in the coming days.
"If we meet specific targets in the seasons ahead, primarily linked to success on the pitch, the club will repay agreed amounts.
"We will be able to make those repayments as hitting these targets, which the players can directly influence, will mean our financial position will be stronger.
Advert
"The agreement is based on the assumption we will finish the season 2019/20 and receive the full broadcasting revenues.
"The resulting savings will help cover some of the financial risks we have this season in relation to our match day and commercial income.
"We are proud and grateful to our players and staff for pulling together to support our club, our people and our community in these unprecedented times which are some of the most challenging we have faced in our history."
Featured Image Credit:Topics: Football News, Football, Mesut Ozil, Premier League, Coronavirus, Arsenal
