Mesut Ozil has referenced his "struggles" in his latest Instagram post as he continues to be out in the cold at Arsenal.
The German was recently omitted from the club's Premier League squad which was met with a mixed reception.
Ozil, having been a regular when Mikel Arteta first took charge at the Emirates, was a peripheral figure once football returned from lockdown.
He continues to be linked with the exit door but his mammoth wages are the biggest stumbling block for a potential suitor.
The 32-year-old maintains that he intends to see out his Arsenal contract which has less than a year remaining.
And in a recent post on social media Ozil wrote what appeared to be a crpytic message.
"The struggles along the way are only meant to shape you for your purpose," he said.
Arteta though has insisted that the playmaker was given ample opportunities to stake his claim for a regular role at Arsenal.
But the former Manchester City No 2 claims his decision was made in the club's best interests.
He told Sky Sports: "What I can tell you (is) that I tried my best, I tried to give him as many opportunities as I could.
"And that from my own side, I've been patient, given him opportunities and been fair.
"He's a player that belongs to a football club, he's been a really important player in the last few seasons.
"I have to respect that, I'm here to make decisions, the best decisions for the team and for the club.
"This is what I try to do and then I have to explain them because people need the reasons and the right answers."
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