Mesut Ozil insists he is going nowhere and will finish his career at Fenerbache, despite the Turkish club suspending him in March.
The former Arsenal midfielder, 33, still has two years remaining on his contract but hasn't played since he was suspened, missing the final eight league games of the campaign. He reportedly had a verbal row with manager Ismail Kartal, who's future remains unclear.
"Recently, I have had to make a statement regarding the allegations made about my career," tweeted Ozil on Tuesday. "I had completed my career goal by signing a 3.5-year contract with Fenerbahce, my childhood love, without even getting paid for the first 6 months.
"I repeat with emphasis; I will not end my career in a team other than Fenerbahce. For the duration of my contract, my only goal is to sweat our Cubuklu jersey. This decision is very clear and final.
"As per the requirements of professional life, if our management takes a decision about me, I will only respect this attitude. I will work hard and always keep myself ready. As I always say, the main thing is Fenerbahce. With my love and respect to the great Fenerbahce fans."
Ozil's statement suggests he plans to work his way back into Kartal's plans this summer... or the manager's future is in serious doubt. According to reports in both Turkey and Brazil, veteran former Benfica and Flamengo coach Jorge Jesus will be announced as the club's new manager shortly.
Will Mesut Ozil end his career at Fenerbahce? Let us know in the comments below!
Ozil was enjoying a good season before his suspension, scoring nine goals and providing two assists. He reportedly fell out with Kartal following Fenerbache's 2-1 home victory against Super Lig rivals Konyaspor in March. His team-mate Ozan Tufan, who spent time on loan at Watford during the 2021-22 campaign, was also suspended.
Fenerbache are yet to respond to Ozil's statement. Speaking exclusively to Mirror Football earlier this month, Ozil's agent Dr Erkut Sogut confirmed his client would not be on the move this summer.
"We all expect it [Ozil to play for Fenerbahce next season]. This is what we are hoping for and what we will see," said Dr Sogut. "[There's] no chance of any movement, he still has two years on his contract and he will stay there."
On the argument with Kartal, he added: "There was a discussion between certain players and the coach, but I don't know the exact details. But it is something that happens all the time. It is not very unusual that sometimes coaches and players have different opinions."
Dr Sogut went on to say: "I think he wants to retire his career in Turkey, he always wanted it. I can imagine he'll still do something at Fenerbahce or something in Turkey. He is settled there with the family, he loves living there and is enjoying it as well.
"I can't see right now him going to another country from there. Before the move to Fenerbahce, it could have been done but not anymore I guess. But you never know in football."
