Shut up and start supporting
Ozil launches attack on Arsenal legends about their criticism
LONDON: Mesut Ozil (pic) has delivered a stunning swipe at his critics and told Arsenal’s legends to shut up and start supporting the team.
The polarising German international winger has less than 12 months remaining on his deal at the Emirates and is reportedly demanding £300,000 (RM1.7mil)-a-week to sign an extension.
His refusal to commit his future, alongside Alexis Sanchez’s determination to leave the Emirates, has ensured a miserable mood around Gunners in recent weeks.
And that has been compounded with a dreadful start to the English Premier League season, suffering a 1-0 defeat at Stoke before Arsene Wenger’s side were thumped 4-0 in a calamitous display at Liverpool last week.
Ozil and his teammates have come under fierce criticism from a number of former Arsenal stars such as Thierry Henry and Martin Keown.
But the former Real Madrid ace has hit back in a near 700-word rant on Instagram.
The full-damning transcript he posted read: “It’s Sept 2, 2017. I’m with the German national team right now and yesterday we took a big step towards the World Cup in Russia after beating Czech Republic 2-1.
“During the last couple of days my German teammates have been asking me about how everything is at Arsenal at the moment.
“They claimed to have read about the current crisis through the media, as pundits and former players are commenting on a daily basis.
“They say that this could be the worst team in years, even decades.
“I’m writing this text together with people that are close to me and we’ve got something to celebrate.
“Although no match was won, or trophy lifted today, Arsenal and I are celebrating our anniversary!
“Four years ago I was transferred in a last minute deal from Real Madrid to Arsenal – Arsene Wenger convinced me.
“He told me about the great history of this club, about its living legends such as Bergkamp, Vieira and Pires, who owe a large part of their success to the manager.
“Arsene told me how he would help me to develop as a player and this is something every player wants to hear, as it is great encouragement.
“Although I initially struggled when coming to the English Premier League, I accepted the challenge.
“I started as a left-winger at the beginning and in all honesty, I am not a great admirer of that position for myself – I’m better as a ‘No. 10’. When playing in the centre I can control the game and generate chances.
“The Premier League is physically much more demanding then La Liga or the Bundesliga.
“1-1 draws are much tougher and the smaller clubs also have very strong teams that can easily catch you out.
“Furthermore, there is no winter break, meaning the season is extremely long and exhausting, especially when you are playing at European and national team level too.
“We have achieved a lot in our four years together. Three of the 13 FA Cup victories have been accomplished in the past four years, with the other ten taking 75 years for the club to win.
“This is in addition to our three Community Shield wins. After all, six titles in four years is quite something.
“However, this only makes myself and the team even more disappointed for not playing a role in the title race at the end of last season – this is something we hope to change this year.
“Personally I’ve had to accept a lot of criticism during my time in London – ‘too expensive, too greedy, bad body language and lacking fight’ – this is what people have said about me.
“Some of these comments are made by those who do not know me, some are made by former players – both successful and unsuccessful during their time here at the club.
“Although criticism is something that all football players have to deal with, I nevertheless expected legends to behave like legends – my advice to these former Gunners: stop talking and start supporting!
“I would like to thank all the Gooners that have always supported me and believed in me.
“When I leave the Emirates after a game, I see the fans standing along the street cheering.
“When I’ve played well, I hear you sing my song and this makes me incredibly proud, giving me goosebumps every time.
“I have been privileged enough to have met both Brendan and Charlie.
“They support the club despite their illness and their strength and positive messages constantly motivate me.
“Moreover, I’m thankful for all the other personal relationships I’ve made over the past even though I personally do not know how my career will continue after this year, I look forward to my fifth season with Arsenal.
“This is because Arsenal is a great club with great people and great traditions.
“I am glad to be able to wear your shirt, Gooners.
“I’ve had so many great moments in the last four years and I really appreciate what this club means to the people of London, the UK and all over the world.” — The Sun, London