Jack Wilshere makes major Mesut Ozil statement after Mikel Arteta's Arsenal squad announcement
Jack Wilshere has responded to Mesut Ozil's statement about his omission from the Arsenal Premier League squad for the remainder of the 2020/21 season
JoriPress
Jack Wilshere has become the latest player to react to Mesut Ozil's statement regarding his Arsenal snub.
On Tuesday evening, it was announced that the German playmaker had been left out of the Gunners' 25-man squad for the remainder 2020/21 Premier League season.
Having not played a competitive match for Arsenal since March and with his contract set to expire at the end of the campaign, it would appear that Ozil has played his final game for the club.
Less than 24 hours after Mikel Arteta's Premier League squad was confirmed, Ozil broke his silence on the situation and appeared to slam the club.
"This is a difficult message to write to the Arsenal fans that I've not played for over the past few years," he wrote on on Twitter and Instagram. "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."
The statement was 'liked' by Lucas Torreira and Shkodran Mustafi on Instagram, while BBC Match of the Day and BT Sport presenter Gary Lineker weighed in by saying: "Every footballer wants to play. Not being able to, regardless of salary, is soul destroying."
This prompted a response from Wilshere who agreed with Lineker and also claimed that Ozil is Arsenal's best player.
"Spot on Gary, especially when you are the best player!" Wilshere said.
Former Arsenal midfielders Alex Iwobi and Santi Cazorla have also liked Ozil's Instagram picture, as well as Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang's brother Wily.
As for Wilshere, he's currently without a club after being released by West Ham United on transfer deadlin
