Mesut Ozil says Arsenal fans “will remain forever in my heart” when he is finally transferred to Fenerbahçe.
The midfielder put an end to the Gunners’ nightmare on Sunday, after months frozen under coach Mikel Arteta.
Ozil has long divided opinions among Arsenal fans about his contribution to the club in recent years, but he leaves with nothing but fond memories.
“I would like to thank the club for this incredible journey for the past seven and a half years,” he said in his farewell message on Arsenal’s official website.
“The support I felt from the team and the fans during my stay here was really incredible and something I will always be grateful for.
(Image: Getty Images)
“Together, we won trophies for the first time in years and created memories that will last a lifetime.
“Arsenal fans will be in my heart forever.”
Ozil struck a deal with Arsenal to mutually terminate his £ 350,000 weekly contract, which still had six months to go.
The 32-year-old would probably not play any more in the Arsenal season, as he was not even enrolled in the 25 Premier League players.
Mikel Arteta’s Gunners have been starving for the title’s glory for some time – but things may be changing as Arsenal’s new look traces the road to success.
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New signings Gabriel Magalhães and Thomas Partey started to run after they arrived with a lot of money in the summer, and the new Gunners are fighting for a place in the top four and for glory in the Europa League this season.
The situation at Mesut Ozil remains in the background and there is a lot going on in North London to keep up.
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Ozil added: “I would like to thank [Arsenal technical director] Edu Gaspar, for helping to find a professional and dignified solution in the last few days, and I wish the best to everyone at the club in an attempt to continue bringing Arsenal back to the top, where we belong. “
His arrival at Fenerbahçe has already been received with a lot of furore in Turkey, although the club president has organized a fundraiser for fans to donate to help pay Ozil’s salary.
Ozil had to suffer a huge down payment to move to the Super Lig club he supported as a boy, but agreed to a £ 13 million deal over the course of the contract.
Although many consider Ozil a hero at Arsenal, he leaves with the feeling that he could have achieved more.
He wrote in a separate message on his Twitter account that he “does not regret” and “does not hold a grudge”, despite his fight with Chief Arteta.
Will Ozil be a success at Fenerbahçe? Have your say below.
(Image: Fenerbahce.org/AFP via Getty Ima)
Mikel Arteta said: “Mesut’s achievements at Arsenal are indisputable. It was a privilege to play alongside him and, more recently, train him.
“His creativity and vision led to many goals during his time with the Arsenal shirt.
“Mesut has been at the center of many great moments for this club over the years, including those three victories in the FA Cup final.
“These successes will always be part of our history. We thank Mesut and wish him well with Fenerbahçe.”