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Football London
Sport
Sam Hill

Former Arsenal star Mesut Ozil's contract terminated amid rival club free transfer

Former Arsenal star Mesut Ozil has had his contract terminated by Turkish side Fenerbache as he prepares to move to their rivals Basaksehir FK.

football.london reported earlier this year that Ozil had a verbal altercation with the club's interim manager Ismail Kartal and was left out of the squad for the following games. The German playmaker has now suffered a similar fate to that he experienced at Arsenal when he left the Emirates in 2021.

The 33-year-old was excluded from the Gunners' Premier League and Europa League squad after signalling his intention to leave the club upon expiry of his contract. The club's decision to terminate Ozil's contract early saw the former Germany international join the Turkish outfit on a free transfer prior to the end of the 2020/21 season.

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After initial reports revealed Ozil’s Fenerbahce contract had been terminated, Sport1 reported on Tuesday night that the 33-year-old is terminating his contract to join Super Lig rivals Basaksehir. Ozil's nightmare time with Fenerbache has come to shock end after just a year with the Turkish outfit.

Ozil insisted that he would refuse to be forced out of the club, releasing a statement on his social media. The statement read: “Recently, I have had to make a statement regarding the allegations made about my career.

“I completed my career goal by signing a 3.5-year contract with Fenerbahçe, 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 Fenerbahçe.

"For the duration of my contract, my only goal is to wear our Çubuklu 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. I will work hard and always keep myself ready.

“As I always say, the main thing is Fenerbahçe. My love and respect to the great Fenerbahce fans.”

This now looks impossible with reports suggesting the 33-year-old has signed for Fenerbache's rivals Basaksehir FK. Ozil's career has been tarnished with injury issues and manager fall-outs, with the midfielder now seemingly about to start another chapter in his career.

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