Ozil says he is ‘very excited’ about move to Fenerbahce

Mesut Ozil has said that he is very excited about his move to Turkish side Fenerbahce, according to Turkish broadcaster NTV via ESPN. 

The German playmaker has come to an agreement with Arsenal to terminate his contract which will allow him to join the former Turkish champions on a free transfer. Ozil had six months remaining on his contract with the North London club. His transfer to Fenerbahce is expected to be completed today, according to Fabrizio Romano. 

Here we go, Mesut. 🤝🟡🔵

Özil joins Fenerbahçe on a permanent deal, tomorrow morning he’ll sign his contract. Confirmed. 🇹🇷🛩 https://t.co/439rkOZ2lX

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) January 17, 2021

He has bid farewell to his Arsenal teammates at London Colney and is expected to sign a three-and-a-half year contract with the Turkish club. 

The former Real Madrid man landed in Istanbul yesterday and the Turkish side posted pictures of his arrival. They issued a statement about the World Cup winner which read:

“Our club is bringing Mesut Ozil to Istanbul to continue the transfer processes.”

Bilgilendirme | Kulübümüz, transfer süreçlerini ilerletmek için Mesut Özil’i İstanbul'a getiriyor. 💛💙

Club Statement: Our club is bringing Mesut Özil to Istanbul to continue the transfer processes. pic.twitter.com/Wt0gR8xRSk

— Fenerbahçe SK (@Fenerbahce) January 17, 2021

Ozil has Turkish ancestry and is a boyhood Fenerbahce fan. Recently, he said that he wanted to play football in Turkey before the end of his career and saw Fenerbahce as his only possible destination. 

Speaking to Turkish broadcaster NTV regarding his impending move to Fenerbahce, Ozil said:

“I am a Fenerbahce fan. That is why I am very happy to be coming to Turkey with Fenerbahce. I’m very excited. God gave me the chance to wear this jersey as a Fenerbahce fan. God willing, I will carry it with honour and do everything I can for the team.”

“Of course, I’m missing a few matches. I haven’t played in a match in a while, but I am physically fit, I have no issues.”

The former Germany international joined Arsenal from Real Madrid for £42.5 million in the summer of 2013. He played a big part in helping the Gunners win the FA Cup in his first season in North London which also happened to be Arsenal’s first trophy in nine years.

The North London club won three further FA Cups during his time at the Emirates although he was barely involved in the Gunners’ most recent triumph in the world’s oldest football competition. 

During his time at Arsenal, he scored 44 goals and provided 77 assists in 254 appearances across all competitions. 

This season, Ozil was left out of the club’s Premier League and Europa League squads and has not played a single minute of competitive football for the Gunners.