‘Loyalty is hard to come by’ — Ozil breaks silence on exclusion from Arsenal’s EPL squad

Mesut Ozil, Arsenal midfielder, has slammed the North London club after being axed from the squad.

The former German international was excluded from the squad for both the 2020/21 English Premier League (EPL) season and Europa League.

In a statement via Twitter on Wednesday, the 32-year-old expressed his disappointment at being left out of Mikel Arteta’s top-flight plans, saying “loyalty is hard to come by nowadays”.

〽️⚽️ #M1Ö #YaGunnersYa pic.twitter.com/hF7abGklOT

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— Mesut Özil (@M10) October 21, 2020

“This is a difficult message to write to the Arsenal fans that I’ve not played for over the past few years,” the statement read.

“I’m really deeply disappointed by the fact that I’ve not been registered for the Premier League season for the time being.

“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 I would say my performances were on a really good level.

“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 the 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.”

The German playmaker hasn’t played for the club since March, but still has one year left on his contract.

Since joining Arsenal from Real Madrid in September 2013, Ozil has netted 44 goals in 254 appearances in all competitions for the Gunners.