Mesut Ozil posted a long farewell to Arsenal fans on social media, after his move to Fenerbahce was finally confirmed on Sunday.
Ozil has been linked with a move from north London for some time. He barely played for the Gunners last season and was later left out of Mikel Arteta’s 25-man squad in the Premier League for the current campaign.
DC United and several Turkish sides are reportedly close to securing his signature this month. However, as 90 mins Recently reported, Fenerbahce was still leading the race for Ozil and they confirmed his arrival on Sunday afternoon.
Shortly after the news broke, the former Real Madrid man took to Twitter to say goodbye to supporters.
He wrote: “Dear gunners, 7-5 years old. Almost 3,000 days. It’s strange writing this post after so long here in London. From the moment I arrived I felt right at home, ”the post began.
“I was welcomed with open arms by the entire Arsenal staff, my teammates and especially the incredible fans. I will always be grateful for the confidence Arsène Wenger had in me in September 2013.
“I grew up as an adult in North London, a place I can always call home. I will never forget him. Being with Arsenal for so long has meant I’ve been through a great mix of ups and downs. Over 250 games, 44 goals and 71 assists later, it’s time for Arsenal and I to finally go our separate ways.
“Together, we ended the club’s nine-year trophy drought and brought the long-needed silverware back to the fans who deserved it. It’s hard for me to put into words the love I feel for this club and the fans.
“How could I describe eight years of gratitude in one letter? Although I no longer play for the club, I will continue to support them in every game they play. I’ll be a gunner for life – no doubt about it. . More than ever, we must all be behind the team. This season is tough for all Premier League teams, and that’s why we all have to support the current squad and staff no matter what the results. “
The midfielder added his enthusiasm to see young academy players like Emile Smith Rowe making their breakthroughs in recent months.
He added: “For me it was amazing to see some of the boys from Hale End come into the first team setup. As we all know, they are the future of our club, and I wish them every success! Hearing my name sung in the Emirates will give me goosebumps forever, and the memories I made while wearing this jersey will stay with me for life.
– Mesut Özil (@ MesutOzil1088) January 24, 2021
“Much has been written about my time at Arsenal, especially in recent months. Arsenal are a club of class and prestige, something that I have felt every time I walked on the pitch. The players, staff and management always come and go – but the club’s values and the fans will remain forever.
“The principles of class, respect and dignity must never be forgotten. It is the responsibility of everyone in the club to ensure that they do their work in the name of these values. As I said, the last few months have not been ”. t been the easiest.
“Like every player, I want to play every minute of football for my team. In life, however, things don’t always turn out the way we expect or want them to. But it is important to look for the positives in life, not the negatives. , that’s why I try to live without regrets and hard feelings.
“Being at Arsenal was more than football, it was about community. As much as I tried to help out on the pitch, I tried to be a part of the London community as much as I could.
“North London welcomed me as one of its own, and each season I embarked on a different project to bring happiness to this amazing community. Even though I might be leaving North London it won’t stop. It might be the end of a chapter, but my connection with this amazing club will never fade. It might be a farewell for now, but it’s not an eternal farewell. To Arsenal fans around the world: YaGunnersYaMesut. “
