Fenerbahce-bound Mesut Ozil wasn’t given “fair opportunity” in his final year at Arsenal, according to Jack Wilshere.
Mikel Arteta left Ozil out of his Premier League and Europa League squads at the start of the season, which was the final straw for a player whose last appearance for Arsenal came way back in March.
He questioned the club’s loyalty in the wake of that decision, and Wilshere says he can relate to how his old team-mate must have felt after being frozen out.
“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. 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.”