When Arsene Wenger pulled off the signing of Mesut Ozil from Real Madrid, he surprised just about every one. Pundits were shocked that Arsenal could still pull off these kind of deals. Arsenal fan were left incredulous at the news. Even Ozil’s former Madrid team-mates spoke out about their surprise and frustration that the German midfielder had chosen to move on.
The surprise seems to have translated into anger in some parts. Over the last couple of weeks, Real Madrid officials have regularly been asked about why Ozil was let go. There answers haven’t been all that classy.
Let’s start with Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti, who put the move down to a fear of competition: “At great clubs there are two ways to react to competition: either you stay to fight for your position or you leave. Ozil preferred to leave. He said he left the club because he didn’t feel trust. But he never came to talk to me.” (Source: Sky Sports)
In other words, Ancelotti feels that Ozil left because he didn’t have enough fight in him. Madrid president, Florentino Perez has echoed the sentiment and then some:
“The player asked to leave and nobody here should be upset about it. He couldn’t handle the pressure at Madrid.” (Source: The Mirror)
I have to say, I find it hard to believe that Ozil was overly concern about competition. He made 157 appearances for Real Madrid over three seasons because there was nobody quite as good as him in world football. The amount of assists he stacked up was truly staggering. Surely Gareth Bale would have played off of Mesut Ozil, not replaced him?
It’s difficult to make sense of. There seems to be a lot of bitterness involved. But at this moment, Arsenal are the ones who look likely to profit.
Ozil won’t be unaware of these quotes and will likely be keen to bite back on the pitch. The best way to make a mockery of Perez’s comments would be to establish himself as the world’s best number 10. As things currently stand, he’s not a million miles away.
I doubt the comments will effect Ozil in any negative way. After all, the German international seems to have a cool head and a strong desire to prove himself. I certainly wouldn’t bet against him at this stage. I can’t wait to see what he’s capable of over the course of a season.
What’s your take? Will Real Madrid’s comments spur Mesut Ozil onto greater things?
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Like you said, he has a cool head and does the talking on the pitch. Nice article.
he’s such a gifted talent that can’t be wasted.so madrid lost, arsenal gain.
It does seem it’s madrids way of trying to appease the fans, starting with the unprofessional behaviour they were spouting.
He seems very grounded and with a few Germans in the team he will settle and just get better and better, an absolute joy to watch
Arsenal is keeping it real now.
good guys, in arsene we trust.