Arsenal finally parted ways with mercurial midfielder, Mesut Ozil after he had spent almost eight years at the north London outfit.
The former German player completed a free transfer to his boyhood club, Fenerbache on the back of an ill-fated relationship at Arsenal, which led to his omission from the Premier League and Europa League squad by Mikel Arteta.
The 32-year-old bagged a total 254 appearances and won for FA Cup trophies since he joined from Real Madrid.
Through it all, a move away from the Emirates stadium was certainly closing in on Ozil, who had fallen out of favour with the north London side.
However, Arsenal boss and former team mate of the World Cup winner, has admitted that it was a “privilege” to play with and coach attacking midfielder, who departed the club for Fenerbahce.
Arteta did heap praises on the playmaker for his impact at the club as he bid farewell
“Mesut’s achievements at Arsenal are undisputed. It was a privilege to play alongside him and, more recently, coach him,” he told the club’s website. “His creativity and vision led to many goals during his time in the Arsenal shirt. Mesut was at the heart of many great moments for this club over the years, including those three FA Cup final wins.
“These successes will always be part of our history. We thank Mesut and wish him all the best with Fenerbahce.”
Ozil, on the other hand said he will never forget his time at the club and thanked the technical director Edu for his role in completing the deal.
“I’d like to thank the club for this amazing journey over the past seven-and-a-half years,” he said. “The support I have felt from the team and fans during my time here has been truly incredible and something I will always be grateful for. Together we won trophies for the first time in years and created memories that will last a lifetime. The Arsenal fans will forever remain in my heart.
“I’d like to thank Edu Gaspar for helping bring about a professional and dignified solution in the past few days, and I wish everyone at the club the best in their attempt to continue to bring Arsenal back to the top, where we belong.”
Edu said: “We thank Mesut for his huge contribution to Arsenal. He has given the fans and everyone at the club many wonderful moments on the pitch since he joined us in 2013.
“We would like to thank Mesut and his team for their professionalism during our recent negotiations. I know everyone associated with Arsenal will join me in wishing Mesut and his family the best of health, success and happiness in the next chapter of his career.”
