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The Nairobian

Mesut Ozil's misery continues at Fenerbahce despite Arsenal transfer exit

Football

By Mirror | Feb 25, 2021

**German midfielder Mesut Ozil poses with a Fenerbahce scarf upon his arrival at Ataturk Airport in Istanbul, Turkey, January 18, 2021.** [Fenerbahce.org/Handout via REUTERS]

Mesut Ozil's "dream" transfer to boyhood club Fenerbahce has not gone to plan so far.

When the midfielder's Arsenal contract was terminated in January it supposed to be the ideal solution for all parties.

The Gunners got their top earner off the books after he was frozen out for the previous 10 months - while Ozil was free to join the club he grew up supporting, and Fenerbahce in turn landed a player they hoped would inspire them to the Super Lig title.

But Ozil has so far failed to score or create a goal for the Turkish giants, who have lost three of the five games he has played since joining.

That run has seen them knocked out of the Turkish cup by Istanbul Basaksehir, while they have slipped to third in the Super Lig.

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Fenerbahce lost to mid-table Goztepe at the weekend, having been beaten by new leaders Galatasaray earlier this month.

**Mesut Ozil arrives in Singapore July 23, 2018.** [International Champions Cup/Handout via REUTERS]

Ozil and his new club are now three points behind Galatasaray, and level on points with second-placed Besiktas.

Of course, it would be unfair to blame their recent slip-ups on Ozil, who will need time to adapt after almost a year without footbal.

And with the league table so tight, the playmaker has plenty of time to inspire his new club to glory this term.

Following his debut in a 2-1 win over Hatayspor at the beginning of February, Ozil was praised for his performance by former Fenerbahce and Turkey striker Ridvan Dilmen.

He expects Ozil to have a big impact on the club's fortunes over the coming seasons.

"I did not expect Mesut Ozil to do so much. It is not easy," said Dilmen after watching the former Germany international make his bow.

"You play football for the first time after 10 months. A team was not built around Mesut, Mesut came to this team.

"I think the next season will be much better because his contract will be three-and-a-half years. Despite this, I respect his devotion."