New Fenerbache manager Jorge Jesus has confirmed that Mesut Ozil won't play for the club again following his appointment.
Ozil has not played for the Turkish Super Lig side since March 20 after he was excluded from the squad following a row with interim head coach Ismail Kartal over his fitness. Now, Jesus intends to keep him exiled from the squad.
"He had his time, his space," Jesus said on Wednesday, as cited by the Daily Mail. "He has a beautiful history in Turkey, nobody can take it away from him.
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"He is a well-known player around the world. But I will follow exactly what was the end of the Ozil era. The most important thing here is not the coach Jorge Jesus, the most important thing here is not the player Ozil, the most important thing here is not any player.
"The most important thing here is Fenerbahce and it is from there that I build my ideas and the players who come to work with me."
The situation is strikingly similar to what it was like for Ozil in north London. He was loved by many when he first came as his talent shone above most others in the squad. However, towards the end, frustration and disagreements triumphed over harmony between club and player.
Mikel Arteta eventually decided to exile him from the squad, before he allowed the former Germany international to leave on a free transfer in January 2021. Now, after making just 36 appearances for Fenerbache since joining, one could argue that Arteta's decision was in fact vindicated.
Whether Ozil - who is the most successful player in the Emirates era with four FA Cups to his name - can reignite his career elsewhere remains to be seen, but he'll be hopeful of further accolades before he calls time on what has been an often brilliant but chaotic time at the top.
