TheCable

Mesut Ozil, a German international footballer, has left Arsenal to join Fenerbahce, a Turkish Super Lig club, on a free transfer.

The former Real Madrid player joins as a free agent on Sunday after agreeing to a deal with the Istanbul-based football team.

The playmaker of Turkish origin was allowed to complete the transfer by the North London club after it cancelled his contract that was due to end in June 2021.

Ozil, who travelled to Turkey last week and already completed his medicals, also took to his social media pages to put out a very long and emotional statement to Arsenal fans.

“I will always be grateful for the trust placed in me by Arsene Wenger in September 2013. I’ve grown up as an adult in North London, a place I’ll always call home. I’ll never forget that,” the statement read in part.

“It’s difficult for me to put into words the love I feel for this club and the fans. How could I possibly describe eight years of gratitude in a single letter? I will be a Gunner for life – no doubt about that.”

pic.twitter.com/OuzfYc5CXs

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— Mesut Özil (@MesutOzil1088) January 24, 2021

The 32-year-old, who was Arsenal’s highest earner, last played for the Gunners in March 2020 before the English Premier League (EPL) went on an enforced break due to the novel coronavirus lockdown.

His relationship with the club broke down last year, with his criticism of China’s treatment of Uygur Muslims as a flashpoint.

The player also failed to agree on a pay cut with the club management when it was fighting financial stability in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Turkish giants also confirmed the deal in a tweet, saying: “He’s now ours”.

HE'S ÖURS NÖW! 😏 pic.twitter.com/RQfMLotcUj

— Fenerbahçe English (@Fenerbahce_EN) January 24, 2021

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Ozil was not registered in Arsenal’s EPL and Europa League squads this season.

The talented playmaker, who joined Arsenal from Real Madrid in 2013, scored 44 goals and recorded 77 assists in 254 appearances for the North London club.