Frozen-out Arsenal midfielder Mesut Ozil has declared his support for Manchester United star Marcus Rashford's work in pushing for free school meals to be provided throughout half-term and the Christmas holidays.
The 22-year-old striker has been vocal in his belief that the government should continue the scheme outside of term time, and called for local restaurants to provide free food to children during the holidays after the government voted against extending the scheme on Wednesday.
Since then, a growing list of establishments and local councils across the country have promised to supply food to children and parents in need regardless.
Ozil, who was left out of Arsenal 's 25-man Premier League squad earlier this week, took to Twitter to congratulate Rashford on his important work.
He wrote: "Congratulations on all your amazing work @MarcusRashford!
"What you’re doing is an incredible achievement that is helping so many kids here in the UK. Keep up the great work."
The German midfielder, who won the FIFA World Cup with his country in 2014, is only eligible to play for Arsenal's under-23 side this season following the squad announcement on Tuesday.
He reacted to the news by posting an emotional message on social media, in which he said that he is 'deeply disappointed' and that 'loyalty is hard to come by nowadays'.
Manager Mikel Arteta later claimed, amid speculation, that the decision was purely a footballing one and stated his belief that he has 'failed' in his handling of the player.
Ozil is the highest-paid player in the history of the north London outfit and has made more than 250 appearances for the club, but has not featured competitively since March.
Arsenal return to Premier League action on Sunday evening against Leicester City following Thursday's Europa League victory at Rapid Wien, before taking on Irish side Dundalk at the Emirates Stadium in midweek.
