ARSENAL outcast Mesut Ozil has appeared to take a thinly-veiled swipe at boss Mikel Arteta by stating the club are ‘really missing’ Arsene Wenger.
The former Gunners gaffer was instrumental when the North Londoners signed the German playmaker from Real Madrid for a then club-record fee of £42.5million in 2013.
And Ozil, 32, was influential in his opening season in England as he helped the club end their nine-year trophy drought by winning the FA Cup.
He won the competition two more times under Wenger before the legendary Frenchman departed the Emirates in 2018.
But Ozil was not part of the Arsenal side that won the FA Cup last term as former team-mate Arteta excluded him from his matchday squads.
The World Cup winner has failed to make a competitive appearance for the club since March having been left out of their Premier League and Europa League squads.
And the Gunners have suffered during his absence as they lack any sort of creativity in the final third of the pitch.
Arsenal have endured their worst start to a campaign since 1974 as they sit in 15th spot in the table after 14 games.
Speaking on a Twitter Q&A session, Ozil believes some of the Arsenal squad are struggling with not having Wenger in charge.
Replying to a fan who asked the midfielder if he considers Wenger as a father figure, he said: “He was really a fantastic manager – yeah, and also like a father figure for me and many other players.
“I think many people around Arsenal are really missing him.”
Ozil also commented on his happiness at the club, as he added: “It’s a very difficult time for everyone around the club – not just for me.
“The situation is frustrating for everyone.
“Of course I would wish I could help the team especially right now, but as long as I don’t get the chance I just hope that we get better results very soon again.
“But let’s stay positive.”
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