Arsenal deliver Mesut Ozil ‘privilege’ message as Fenerbahce move is sealed

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Arsenal and Ozil have finally parted company after months of speculation

The Mesut Ozil saga has finally ended, bringing to a close months of frustration for both the player and the club.

Arsenal confirmed on Sunday afternoon that the player has sealed a move to Turkish side Fenerbahce, following the termination of his contract.

The 32-year-old was left out of Mikel Arteta’s squads for the Premier League and Europa League this season, and last kicked a ball for the Gunners in March 2020.

His move to Turkey was announced on the official Arsenal website, where Arteta claimed it had been a “privilege” to work with the former German international.

He said: “Mesut’s achievements at Arsenal are undisputed. It was a privilege to play alongside him and, more recently, coach him. His creativity and vision led to many goals during his time in the Arsenal shirt.

“Mesut was at the heart of many great moments for this club over the years, including those three FA Cup final wins. These successes will always be part of our history.

“We thank Mesut and wish him all the best with Fenerbahce.”

As he said goodbye to London after seven-and-a-half seasons, Ozil said: “I’d like to thank the club for this amazing journey over the past seven-and-a-half years.

“The support I have felt from the team and fans during my time here has been truly incredible and something I will always be grateful for. Together we won trophies for the first time in years and created memories that will last a lifetime.

“The Arsenal fans will forever remain in my heart. I’d like to thank Edu Gaspar for helping bring about a professional and dignified solution in the past few days, and I wish everyone at the club the best in their attempt to continue to bring Arsenal back to the top, where we belong.”

Ozil scored 44 goals in 254 appearances for the Gunners after being brought to the club for around £42.5m in September 2013.

Arteta’s men travel to St Mary’s for the second consecutive match on Tuesday night, after losing 1-0 to Southampton in the FA Cup fourth round on Saturday.