Mesut Ozil joins Fenerbahce as a free agent on a three-and-a-half year deal after having his Arsenal contract terminated

Mesut Ozil is officially no longer an Arsenal player after joining boyhood club Fenerbahce.

The 32-year-old has signed a three-and-half-year deal with the Turkish giants after having his contract terminated with the Gunners.

Ozil had been an outcast at Arsenal – having not played for the club since March 2020.

His departure ends a seven-and-a-half year spell at the Emirates – which has included many highs and lows.

The 2014 Germany World Cup winner won three FA Cups with Arsenal and scored 44 goals in 254 appearances in all competitions and upon leaving spoke of his affection for the north London club.

‘It is difficult for me to put into words the love I feel for the club and the fans,’ Ozil said in an open letter.

‘How could I possibly describe eight years of gratitude in a single letter?

‘I will be a Gunner for life – no doubt about that.’

He added: ‘Arsenal is a club of class and prestige, something that I felt every time I walked on to the pitch.

‘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.’