Mesut Özil’s transfer to Arsenal has been the main topic of discussion since the deadline day on Monday, with various footballers and pivotal figures in the sport putting their opinions forward.
Cristiano Ronaldo, Sergio Ramos and Joachim Löw are just some of the people to talk about his move to the Emirates, and although some are surprised that he has left Real, almost everyone expects him to be a success.
All gunners fans will be eagerly anticipating his debut and the comments from everyone will add to that excitement.
Big surprise amongst Madrid players
Özil’s ex-team mates have voiced their concerns over his departure and the level of discontent from all the German’s ex team mates shows how highly rated he was viewed by them.
Cristiano Ronaldo is allegedly very angry that the 24-year-old was allowed to leave, saying: “The sale of Özil is very bad news for me.
“He was the player who best knew my moves in front of goal… I’m angry about Özil leaving.”
Sergio Ramos said: “Mesut is a different player. If it was up to me he would be one of the last players to go. But he and the club have made their decision and I can only wish him the best.
“He’s a unique player and it’s a shame.”
Ex-Liverpool defender Alvaro Arbeloa has expressed his surprise at his exit and described him as a phenomenon, adding:
“I’m a little bit surprised, it’s a shame, and it’s a big loss to the dressing room, on a footballing level and on a personal level too.
“He said goodbye to us on Sunday, but I thought he was joking. He’s very different, there’s no players like him in the world. He makes the difference on the pitch.
“He’ll have his reasons for moving. But we will keep looking forward, we have other great players. I understand it’s tough for the fans, they loved him. He is a phenomenon and got on well with everyone. It’s a real loss.”
Cesc is happy!
Our former captain and star Cesc Fàbregas was another La Liga star surprised that Real Madrid allowed him to leave and believes the German will be great at the Emirates.
He said: “I was really surprised by Özil’s departure. He seemed to me the second-best player at Madrid, after Cristiano (Ronaldo).
“He’ll be great for Arsenal.”
Good news for Arsenal and Germany
Both Damien Comolli and Joachim Löw have also backed Özil to be a success in the Premier League, Comolli said: “I think it’s the one signing of the summer that can make a massive difference.
“He’s a truly world-class player and when you look at the going rate at the moment, you know the Cavanis, the Bales, the Falcaos, he’s cheap.
“In a side that is already very good technically, he’s going to bring even more creativity and imagination and technique. I think he’s going to be a massive, massive signing for Arsenal.”
Joachim Löw also felt it may benefit the German national team.
“For me, it’s incomprehensible that Real would sell one of their top scorers,” said the Germany national team boss.
“I think that Mesut is a sensitive player who needs a lot of trust from the club and the coach.
“What I’ve heard the last days before this transfer, is that this trust had disappeared in Madrid. Arsenal and Wenger put a lot of effort in to get him, which did him, of course, a lot of good.
“That’s why I think personally for us, for the national team, it’s a good transfer. Arsenal is a good club, with a top manager and also two German team mates, (Lukas) Podolski and (Per) Mertesacker.
“Arsenal also play great football, technically on a high level, and I think that plays into Mesut’s game.”
Different to Bergkamp, did we think he was like him anyway?
Former Gunners boss Bruce Rioch described it as a huge signing but warned Arsenal fans not to compare him to Dennis Bergkamp.
A wise word of caution, although I doubt many fans did compare him to the Netherlands great.
Rioch said:
“He is a very talented player and I think he suits the style that Arsenal have at this time. He’s what I would call a silky player, but he’s more of a creator than a goalscorer.
“To compare hi to Dennis Bergkamp would be wrong because Dennis was a goalscorer as well as a creator, but it’s a huge signing.
“He’s a one in six goalscorer but he is a creator. He’s very silky, very clever on the ball and has a high ratio of assists, that’s what he brings to the club.
“He’s come up to the peak of his career, and I think he’ll settle in quite quickly because he’s got two German colleagues at the club.
He can win the Premier League
Özil’s father and agent Mustafa spoke to Sky Sports News and believes his son can help Arsenal win the title.
He also praised Arsène Wenger, and said he was a deciding factor in the deal.
Mr. Ozil said: “Arsenal is a very big club. The club tried hard to sign Mesut and he has a great perspective there.
“He can show his skills and help the club win the Premier League or maybe an international title. He is proud to play for Arsenal and we are looking forward to London.
“He (Arsène Wenger) was one of the deciding persons to convince us. It’s also very helpful that he speaks German well. But that’s not all. He also told us about his plans with the team and especially Mesut. He wants him to play a big role in midfield.
“Mesut is still not at his top level. I’m sure there is still 15 to 20 percent to get out of him and Mr Wenger will help him to do that.
“He is very happy to play with both of them (Per and Poldi). But he also welcomes the rest of the squad. The transfer to Arsenal is the best thing he could do.”
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