Ozil responds to critics after performance vs. Aston Villa: 'I don't play to prove others wrong'

Mesut Ozil thinks he comes in for more unfair criticism than his peers.

The Arsenal midfielder has been the topic of much debate in recent weeks, with many questioning whether he is capable of justifying the £42.5-million transfer fee the Gunners paid Real Madrid for his services last summer.

He silenced many of those critics this weekend, putting in a brilliant performance against Aston Villa that saw him score once and set up Danny Welbeck for another in a 3-0 victory.

While that showing has quieted many of his detractors, the midfielder says he didn't do it for them.

Per ESPN FC:

"I don't play to prove others wrong, I play for Arsenal," he is quoted as saying by FAZ. "I do have the feeling that I am judged more critically. That was already the case in the Bundesliga, and also at Real Madrid. But I have to live with that. It's not the first time.

"The season has just started, we have new players in key positions and the teamwork, of which I am a major part, does not function from one day to another.

"Ten weeks ago, I was voted into the Premier League XI for last season, I then won the World Cup, and this was followed by the summer break. And only a few games into the season everything is questioned once again? But I know what I am capable of and have always come out on top."

Ozil went on to credit both the fans and his teammates for helping him remain positive despite a slow start to the campaign.

"When you know that your own fans are behind you that gives you self-belief and encouragement," he also told Arsenal's official website.

"I'm generally very satisfied [with my performance against Villa]. I think when you assess after the game and see that you have scored and made a goal, you're relieved and very pleased.

"I'd like to praise the whole team again, who really supported me, and especially the fans who were very loud. I want to thank the fans, who were really behind me and supported the whole team so well."