Mesut Ozil has launched a scathing attack on former Arsenal players that have criticised the German rather than supported the club.
Arsenal fans vented their frustration at Ozil’s dazzling form for Germany during the international break after underwhelming for the Gunners so far this season.
The 28-year-old has entered the final 12 months of his existing Arsenal deal and looks set to leave the Gunners on a free next summer.
Ozil has often taken the brunt of most of Arsenal’s criticism when things aren’t going well for Arsene Wenger’s side but the Germany international has taken to social media to hit back at his critics.
“Personally I’ve had to accept a lot of criticism during my time in London,” he wrote on his official Facebook page. “‘Too expensive, too greedy, bad body language, and lacking fight’ - this is what people have said about me.
“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 footballers have to deal with, I nevertheless expected legends to behave like legends - my advice to these former Gunners: stop talking and start supporting!.”
“During the last couple of days my DFB [Germany] teammates have been asking me about how everything is at Arsenal at the moment. They claimed to have read about current crisis through the media, as pundits and former players are commenting on a daily basis. They say this could be the worst team in years, even decades.
“I’m writing this text together with people that are close to me, and we’ve got something to celebrate. Although no match was won, or trophy was lifted today, Arsenal and I are celebrating our anniversary. Four years ago I was transferred in a last minute deal from Real Madrid to Arsenal - Arsene Wenger convinced me.
“He told me about the great history of this club, about its living legends such [Dennis] Bergkamp, [Patrick] Vieira and [Robert] Pires, who owe a large part of their success to the manager. Arsene told me how he would help me develop as a player, and this is something every player wants to hear, as it is great encouragement.
“We have achieved a lot in our four years. Three of the 13 FA Cup victories have been accomplished in the past four years, with the other 10 taking 75 years for the club to win. This is in addition to our three Community Shield wins. After all, six titles in four years in quite something.
“However, this only makes myself and the team even more disappointed for not playing a role in the title race at the end of last season - this is something we hope to change this year.
“Even though I personally do not know how my career will continue after this year, I look forward to my fifth season with Arsenal. 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 UK and all over the world.”
Ozil was reportedly subject to late interest from Barcelona in the transfer window but there were surprisingly few suitors for the former Real Madrid creator despite his status at Arsenal.
The Arsenal No.11 has failed to played a direct hand in a single league goal in Arsenal’s first three league matches of the season.
However, since joining Arsenal from Madrid in 2013, Ozil has provided at least two more assists than any other Premier League player (42).
