Mesut Ozil shares what really went down around Arsenal fallout – 'They didn't let me'

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Mesut Ozil has opened up about his departure from Arsenal , claiming he was cast out of the first-team setup after speaking out about the mistreatment of Uighur Muslims in China. The former midfielder brought the issue of human rights violations in north-west Xinjiang to light via a social media post at the close of 2019.

At the time, Arsenal distanced themselves from his comments and released a statement on Chinese platform Weibo stressing that they did not involve themselves in politics. It read: "Regarding the comments made by Mesut Ozil on social media, Arsenal must make a clear statement.

"The content published is Ozil's personal opinion. As a football club, Arsenal has always adhered to the principle of not involving itself in politics."

Ozil has since alleged that the club 'closed the doors' on him as he was sidelined from first-team duties, left to train alone until his contract at the Emirates was mutually dissolved before completing his switch to Turkish outfit Fenerbahce in January 2021.

Taking to the stage at the Leadership in the Age of Confusion Summit earlier this week, Ozil reflected on his turbulent time at the Emirates, saying: "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."

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Ozil added: "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."

At the time, former Gunners chief executive Vinai Venkatesham – now at relegation-threatened Tottenham Hotspur – flatly rejected suggestions that the club distanced themselves from Ozil due to his outspoken views. He said: "I don't think it's fair to say we took a commercial view.

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"I know it is how it has been reported but I don't think it is fair to say it. We were asked for comment around the situation, predominantly we were asked for a comment in China but it was generally.

"Our position was it was a statement the player made in an individual capacity. There wasn't a commercial driver behind that, it was simply being clear it wasn't Mesut making a club statement, it was him making one in an individual capacity, as is his right."

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