Mesut Ozil has recently discussed a host of topics in a wide-ranging interview with The Athletic.
Ozil comments on future
One of the topics up for discussion, as is so often the case when Ozil is mentioned, was his Arsenal future.
The German has been on Arsenal’s books since 2013 and up until he penned fresh terms in 2018, Ozil had largely enjoyed a positive stint in north London.
However, since signing a huge deal believed to be worth a staggering £350,000-a-week, the midfielder’s displays have dipped off massively.
As such, with Arsenal seemingly strapped for cash and Ozil playing little part for the Gunners, Arsenal fans would no doubt like to get the former Real Madrid’s mans huge wages off their books to help free up transfer funds.
However, such a task seems unlikely to be performed this summer, with Ozil apparently quite happy to see out the remainder of his deal, which runs till 2021.
Ozil’s agent recently stated he believes Ozil will remain at Arsenal until 2021 and when speaking to The Athletic, the player himself seemed to suggest he won’t be on the move just yet:
“I will decide when I go, not other people.
“I didn’t sign for two or three years, I signed for four and that should be respected by everyone.”
LONDON, ENGLAND – DECEMBER 15: Per Mertesacker and Fredrik Ljungberg of Arsenal look on as Mesut Ozil kicks his gloves in the air in frustration after he is subbed during the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and Manchester City at Emirates Stadium on December 15, 2019 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Robin Jones/Getty Images)
Ozil on not taking pay-cut
As mentioned above, Ozil is very much a fringe player at this moment in time.
However, when Mikel Arteta first took the reins at Arsenal, the midfielder was actually afforded a fair few minutes.
But since the restart, Ozil hasn’t featured once for Arteta and co.
And when drawn on this during his latest interview, Ozil floated the possibility that his decision not to take the 12.5 per cent pay-cut back in April may have impacted his chances on the pitch:
“Possibly the decision affected my chances on the pitch, I don’t know.
“But I am not afraid to stand up for what I feel is right – and when you see what has happened now with the jobs, maybe I was.”
Quotes via the Telegraph.
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