Gary Lineker says he has sympathy for Mesut Ozil following the midfielder's Arsenal exile.
Ozil has released a statement expressing his sadness at being excluded from the Gunners' 25-man Premier League squad, having not played for the club since March.
With just one year left on his contract and no prospect of any football until January at the earliest, the 32-year-old's future at the club appears to be all but over.
Match of the Day presenter Lineker has responded to Ozil's statement on Twitter, arguing that the former Real Madrid star finds himself in a difficult situation, no matter how much he is being paid not to play.
"Every footballer wants to play," Lineker tweeted.
"Not being able to, regardless of salary, is soul destroying."
Lineker's words echo that of his Match of the Day colleague Ian Wright.
The legendary former Arsenal striker said that the situation between the club and Ozil was sad and he wished the midfielder well for what looks set to be a difficult period in his career.
"Football will never stop surprising me," Wright tweeted.
"The fact that whatever has gone on couldn't be resolved between the club & Mesut is sad.
"Sad for everyone involved and I can only send him strength for what will be a difficult few months knowing he won't even have a chance to play. Gutted."
Ozil's statement criticised the club for the lack of loyalty they have shown after he opted to remain at the Emirates by signing a new contract in 2018.
He wrote: "This is a difficult message to write to the Arsenal fans that I've not played for over the past few years.
"I'm really deeply disappointed by the fact that I've not been registered for the Premier League season for the time being.
"Upon signing my new contract in 2018, I pledged my loyalty and allegiance to the club that I love, Arsenal, and it saddens me that this has not been reciprocated.
"As I have just found out, loyalty is hard to come by nowadays.
"I've always tried to remain positive from week to week that there's maybe a chance to get back in the squad soon again. That's why I kept silent so far.
"Before the Coronavirus break I was really happy with the development under our new coach Mikel Arteta - we've been on a positive way I would say my performances were on a really good level.
"But then things changed, again, and I was no longer allowed to play football for Arsenal. What else can I say?
"London still feels like home, I still have many good friends in this team, and I still feel a strong connection with the fans of the club.
"No matter what, I will keep fighting for my chance and not let my 8th season at Arsenal end like this.
"I can promise you that this hard decision won't change anything in my mindset - I will continue to train as best as I can and wherever possible use my voice against inhumanity and for justice."
