Mesut Ozil reveals he cried on the plane before transfer deadline day move to Arsenal

Posted Sunday, March 26, 2023 by Dailystar.co.uk

Mesut Ozil is remembered fondly at the Emirates Stadium - and the German is desperate for them to get their hands on the Premier League title - but he cried on his way to sign with Arsenal

Mesut Ozil reveals he cried on the plane before transfer deadline day move to Arsenal
Mesut Ozil cried on his way to Arsenal after leaving Real Madrid (Image: Offside via Getty Images)

Mesut Ozil has revealed he cried on the plane when he swapped Real Madrid for Arsenal on Transfer Deadline Day in 2013.

Ozil has hung his boots after a difficult period of his career following his exit from the Emirates. However, during his heyday, Ozil was one of the best playmakers on the planet - and Arsenal fans still have fond memories of his silky abilities.

Speaking to Marca, Ozil revealed: "I was very sad when I left Madrid. I remember that at the airport. When the plane in which I was leaving Madrid took off, I started to cry."

He continued: "I was really happy [at Real], but things happened. Suddenly, at the beginning of that season, I no longer had many playing minutes and a conflict arose between Mr Florentino Perez and my father and agent.

"We had to look for a new club. It was hard for me. The moment the plane took off, tears fell from my eyes. That was the moment I realised it was over... Of course, I wish we could have handled the situation at that time differently."

Ozil confirmed his retirement on Friday as he said "it’s become more and more clear that it’s time to leave the big stage of football".

Mesut Ozil reveals he cried on the plane before transfer deadline day move to Arsenal
Mesut Ozil grew to love north London and Arsenal (Image: AFP/Getty Images)

Despite sobbing on his flight to north London, Ozil grew to love Arsenal during his time at the Emirates - where he won four FA Cups.

And the German is right behind the Gunners this season, he continued: "Now I am relaxed and I wish the best to the Arsenal fans, who have always been very supportive of me. I would be happy for them if they could celebrate the Premier League title. They deserve it!”