Jack Wilshere happy Mesut Ozil’s Arsenal exile is over and says new Fenerbahce star was never given a ‘fair opportunity’
JACK WILSHERE is ‘happy’ that former team-mate Mesut Ozil has secured an exit from Arsenal.
The German playmaker, 32, called time on his seven-and-a-half-year spell at the Emirates Stadium by sealing a free transfer to Fenerbahce.
He made the move after being frozen out of the first team by Mikel Arteta.
Ozil was excluded from Arteta’s Premier League and Europa League squads, with his final appearance coming last March before the coronavirus suspension.
Former Arsenal ace Wilshere can relate to Ozil’s struggles having found himself on the fringes at West Ham before departing last year.
And the ex-Gunner thinks Ozil was not given a ‘fair opportunity’ to win back his place.
When asked if he had spoken to Ozil about being cast aside, Wilshere said: “No. I was friends with Mesut during my time at Arsenal and we had a really good relationship on and off the pitch I thought.
“But no I didn’t speak to him. I’m sure it was as difficult for him [to not be playing] as it was for me.
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“It’s not nice to be in a position where you’re not given that opportunity – a fair opportunity – to try and challenge for a place in the team.
“Listen, people can have bad games and miss out on the team, but to not be given an opportunity is tough and was tough to take.
“So I’m happy that he has found happiness and hopefully he can go on to be successful in Turkey.”
Wilshere was an Arsenal regular when Ozil arrived from Real Madrid for £42.5million.
Gunners fans are likely to debate the World Cup winner’s legacy in the wake of his departure, but Wilshere only has good memories of playing alongside him.
The Bournemouth midfielder said: “It’s a difficult one because I’m not at the club anymore and I’m like every other fan looking in.
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“All I remember from him is what a joy it was to play with him. A top, top player. One of the best I played with.
“It’s a shame the way it went at Arsenal, but I’m sure a lot of the fans will remember him for his early days there when we had a really good team and we should have probably won a little bit more.
“But we won a couple of FA Cups and it was a pleasure to play with him.”
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