Ozil: Arsenal legends should 'stop talking and start supporting'
Mesut Ozil used his four-year anniversary at Arsenal on Saturday to deliver a pointed message to some legendary figures in the club's history: "Stop talking and start supporting."
Following a three-point haul in the new Premier League season's opening three matches and a failed pursuit for Thomas Lemar on transfer deadline day, many pundits have declared Arsenal an outfit in crisis. Ozil is one player who's often singled out for criticism, and he's responded by saying he expected better from those judging from afar.
"Personally I've had to accept a lot of criticism during my time in London. 'Too expensive, too greedy, bad body language, and lacking fight' - this is what people have said about me," Ozil wrote in an Instagram post.
"Some of these comments are made by those who do not know me, some are made by former players - both successful and unsuccessful during their time here at the club. Although criticism is something that all football players have to deal with, I nevertheless expected legends to behave like legends - my advice to these former Gunners: stop talking and start supporting!"
Ozil said he was quizzed by Germany teammates on the "crisis" at Arsenal, but insists the capital club is intent on mounting a title challenge this term. The Schalke product added that three victories apiece in the FA Cup and Community Shield make for a successful four-year association between himself and Arsenal.
(Photo courtesy: Action Images)
Ozil's contract at the Emirates expires next summer.
"Even though I personally do not know how my career will continue after this year, I look forward to my fifth season with Arsenal," he continued. "This is because Arsenal is a great club with great people and great traditions.
"I am glad to be able to wear your shirt, Gooners. I've had so many great moments in the last four years and I really appreciate what this club means to the people of London, the U.K., and all over the world."
The 28-year-old, who joined Arsenal from Real Madrid for £42.5 million in 2013, previously apologised to fans on Instagram after last Sunday's humiliating 4-0 defeat by Liverpool.
Ozil is currently with the German national team, which made a giant leap toward qualifying for the 2018 World Cup with Friday's 2-1 win in the Czech Republic. If Northern Ireland cannot secure victory against the Czechs, Germany can book its ticket to Russia on Monday by plucking three points from Norway at Stuttgart's Mercedes-Benz Arena.