The Standard Group Plc is a multi-media organization with investments in media platforms spanning newspaper print operations, television, radio broadcasting, digital and online services. The Standard Group is recognized as a leading multi-media house in Kenya with a key influence in matters of national and international interest.

Standard Group Plc HQ Office,
The Standard Group Center,Mombasa Road.
P.O Box 30080-00100,Nairobi, Kenya.
Telephone number: 0203222111, 0719012111
Email: [email protected]

NEWS & CURRENT AFFAIRS

The Nairobian

"I feel it’s a waste for him" – Arsene Wenger laments Mesut Ozil’s Arsenal career

Football

By Mirror | Oct 13, 2020

Arsenal's French manager Arsene Wenger (R) congratulates Arsenal's German midfielder Mesut Ozil (C) on scoring his team's second goal during the UEFA Champions League football match between Arsenal and Bayern Munich at the Emirates Stadium in London, on October 20, 2015. Arsenal won the match 2-0. AFP PHOTO / BEN STANSALL

The former Arsenal boss says the Gunners should find a way to get the German involved again as his stand-off continues into the final year of his lucrative contract

Arsene Wenger says the situation around Mesut Ozil is currently "a waste" for both the player and Arsenal.

Gunners legend Wenger signed Ozil for the club in a £42.3million deal from Real Madrid back in 2013, and the German played his best football for the club under the Frenchman in what were the latter years of Wenger's reign.

At his best Ozil brought a sparkle and a style to Wenger's teams, and he also impressed at times in the initial months under the Frenchman's successor Unai Emery.

Now, though, his Arsenal career remains in ruins having failed to play for the club since March, with both the player and his agent seemingly more than happy to see out the final year of a £350,000-a-week contract without much time on the pitch.

Keep Reading

Wenger says it is a shame that both find themselves in this position, and has urged Mikel Arteta and the club to somehow find a way to get him involved again.

"I feel it is a waste for him," Wenger told BBC Sport.

Europa League Final - Chelsea v Arsenal - Baku Olympic Stadium, Baku, Azerbaijan - May 29, 2019 Arsenal's Mesut Ozil looks dejected as he walks past the Europa League trophy after the match [REUTERS/Phil Noble]

"Firstly because he's in the years where a player of his talent can produce the most. And it's a waste for the club as well because he's a super talent, a creative talent that in the final third can create that killer pass.

"The way football is going at the moment it's quick counter-pressing, quick transitions and everybody plays the same.

"It's kicked out players like Ozil. Although let's not forget who this guy is. A world champion who has played at Real Madrid.

"He's been the record player of assists, so you have to find a way to get him involved again."

Ozil has been left out of Arsenal's Europa League squad this season, and at present there seems little chance of him playing for the club again.