Mesut Ozil made just his second appearance in a Fenerbahce shirt in the biggest game in Turkish football on Saturday night.
The Istanbul derby between Fener and local rivals Galatasaray is one of the most fiercely contested matches in world football and is legendary for the atmosphere associated with it.
However, in the absence of fans this year the match was given the added spice of having both teams challenging for the Turkish Super Lig title this season.
Going into the match Fenerbahce sat top of the table after Ozil helped them to victory with a substitute cameo on his debut for the club he supported as a boy.
The German international joined them last month on a free transfer ending an seven-and-a-half year stay with Arsenal.
During his time in north London, Ozil made 254 appearances, scoring 44 goals and assisting 77 more while also winning four FA Cups and three Community Shields.
However, his spell with the Gunners ended on something of a sour note after being exiled from Mikel Arteta's Premier League and Europa League squads at the start of the season.
He largely split fan opinion, but thanked supporters of the club after leaving in January.
"Arsenal is a club of class and prestige, something that I felt every time I walked on to the pitch," Ozil said in an open letter.
"Players, staff and management always come and go - but the club's values and fans will remain forever.
"The principles of class, respect and dignity must never be forgotten. It is the responsibility of every single person from the club to make sure they carry out their job in the name of these values."
But after making his first appearance in almost a year last week, the 32-year-old was back in action for his new side where he was once again a substitute.
After coming on for the final 27 minutes of the derby match, Ozil put in an impressive display making 19 touches, completing 14 out of 15 passes, managing one shot on target, creating one chance and also succeeding in one take on.
The high quality cameo was not enough to help his side win the game though, as Fenerbahce ended up losing 1-0 courtesy of a second half strike from Egyptian forward Mostafa Mohamed for Galatasary.
The result now means that the Lions have moved above Fener in the league table into first place on goal difference.
In a tight title race this season fellow Istanbul side Besiktas are only three points behind, so Ozil will be looking to ensure that his new team don't drop any more points going forward.
