[Mesut Ozil] Cesc Fabregas joins Jack Wilshere in defence of Arsenal playermaker

Cesc Fabregas became the latest former Arsenal player to leap to the defence of Mesut Ozil on Thursday, naming the out-of-favour playmaker as one of the five best players in the club’s recent past.

The German World Cup winner has been frozen out under new boss Mikel Arteta and left out of both the Premier League and Europa League squads this season.

Ozil has not played since March, and faces sitting on the sidelines until at least January while picking up a weekly wage of £350,000.

Jack Wilshere defended his former team-mate on Twitter this week, insisting that Ozil remains the ‘best player’ at the club.

Fabregas included Ozil on a list of the five best players of the Emirates era at Arsenal, which is topped by former Dutch striker Robin van Persie.

Alexis Sanchez, Santi Cazorla and Aaron Ramsey also feature on the Spaniard’s list.

Ozil has been at Arsenal for seven years after his dramatic £42million move from Real Madrid in August 2013, and has helped the club to three FA Cups.

Ozil broke his silence on his exile from the first team this week, slating Arsenal for their lack of loyalty.

‘This is a difficult message to write to the @Arsenal fans that I’ve played for over the past few years,’ he wrote. 

‘I’m really deeply disappointed by the fact that I have not been registered for the @PremierLeague season for the time being. 

‘Upon signing my new contract in 2018, I pledged my loyalty and allegiance to the club that I love, Arsenal, and it saddens me that this has not been reciprocated. As I have just found out, loyalty is hard to come by nowadays. 

‘I’ve always tried to remain positive from week to week that there’s maybe a chance to get back in the squad soon again. That’s why I kept silent so far.’ 

The 32-year-old said he was pleased with his progress under Arteta when he arrived last year before being left surprised after the Spaniard gradually started to leave him out of the first-team picture.

He said his relationship with the supporters remained strong and would continue to fight for the club he ‘loves’ – even though he is unlikely to play any competitive football until at least January, with his contract up next summer. 

‘Before the coronavirus break I was really happy with the development under our new coach Mikel Arteta – we’ve been on a positive way and I would say my performances were on a really good level,’ he continued.

‘But then things changed, again, and I was not longer allowed to play football for Arsenal. What else can I say? London still feels like home, I still have many good friends in this team, and I still feel a strong connection with the fans of this club. 

‘No matter what, I will keep fighting for my chance and not let my eighth season at Arsenal end like this. I can promise you that this hard decision won’t change anything in my mindset – I will continue to train as best as I can and wherever possible use my voice against inhumanity and for justice.’ 

Sportsmail reported last week that Arsenal were to re-open talks with Ozil ahead of the January transfer window over ending his £350,000-a-week contract early.  

Arteta said that he talks the blame for Ozil’s underperformance under his leadership: ‘What I can say from my side is that it is a football decision. My conscience is very calm because I have been really fair with him.

‘I have to be the one getting the best out of the players. It is my responsibility. It is nothing related to any behaviour or, like I read, the pay cuts.

‘It’s my decision. If someone has to (be blamed) blame me. Here I feel at the moment that I have failed.’