MESUT OZIL has claimed he was frozen out by Arsenal after voicing his concerns about the treatment of Uighurs in China.
Ozil, 37, in north west Xianjiang via a social media post in December 2019.
Mesut Ozil was speaking about his departure from Arsenal at leadership summit Credit: Getty
Ozil has claimed he was frozen out by Arsenal for speaking about the treatment of Uighurs Credit: Getty Images – Getty
distanced themselves from the former midfielder’s comments at the time and explained via that they do not involve themselves in politics.
Ozil did play for Arsenal immediately after his post on social media and made 13 appearances for the Gunners before the Covid-19 pandemic shut football down in March 2020.
The former international did not feature for Arsenal when football returned, though, and joined Turkish side in January 2021 after his contract at the Emirates was mutually terminated.
And Ozil has now claimed that his comments in December 2019 ultimately led to his Arsenal exit.
Speaking at the Leadership in the Age of Confusion Summit earlier this week, Ozil said: “I heard about Uighur Turks and then I made my research.
“Then, of course, as a star, I had a voice. And I knew also if I post something about this kind of thing, I will get in trouble.
“But I didn’t care. I posted and I am happy.
“So, of course, they closed [on] me the doors. They didn’t let me play anymore.
“I understand also my team-mates. So, when they get in touch with me, they will also be in trouble.
“They have to take care of their own family also. So this was my decision to react to what I did.
“Of course, I had difficult times because you know I was enjoying playing football. They just took it away from me.
“I am always telling the young people – in young age, to marry and have a child gives you more power than anything else.
“So I was happy that I had my wife next to me and also my child, because it was really tough times for me.
“Because I was out of the squad, I was training by myself for eight months.
“But, you know, God takes it away from you, so I am always thankful. Don’t give up.
“The most strong people next to you are your family. If they support you, some other doors will open to you.”
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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