‘Singled out’ Ozil: My heart beats for Real Madrid

Matt Stead

Mesut Ozil claims that he is often “singled out” when Arsenal endure a “bad run”.

Ozil’s place in the Arsenal team has been questioned for the first time since he joined in summer 2013 in a club-record £42.5million deal.

The German’s performances at the end of last year were heavily scrutinised, and he has struggled to have the same impact on games that he has for the previous three years at the Emirates.

Despite scoring five and assisting five goals in 22 Premier League appearances this season, the 28-year-old feels he has become a scapegoat for Arsenal’s struggles.

“When the team’s on a bad run, somebody needs to be singled out, sadly most of the time it’s me,” he told Sport Bild.

He went on to discuss his relationship with the fans further, stating: “You know what made me proud? The first day the Arsenal fans sang the Ozil song.

“I’ve never experienced anything like it at any other club. It gives me goose bumps every time the fans sing that song.”

Ozil added that his “heart beats” for former club Real Madrid, who he left to join Arsenal in 2013.

“Of course my heart beats for Real,” he said. “I played there and still have many friends to this day in the team and in the club. Therefore I’m keeping my fingers crossed for Real, even against Bayern.”