Podolski blasts former club Arsenal for bitter Mesut Ozil transfer exit after 'kicking' German out of squad

LUKAS PODOLSKI has blasted former club Arsenal for their treatment of Mesut Ozil.

The duo spent two years together at the Gunners, winning the FA Cup n 2014 before Podolski joined Inter Milan on loan.

He now plays in Turkey with Antalyaspor and will welcome his old friend to the Super Lig once Ozil completes his free transfer to Fenerbahce.

Ozil has landed in Istanbul to complete his switch to the Turkish giants after an acrimonious exit at Arsenal.

The German playmaker was frozen out of the first team under Mikel Arteta this season and hasn't featured in a competitive fixture since March.

And Podolski, 35, criticised the Gunners for banishing him from the squad after seven years of service.

Reported by Sport Bild, he said: "I generally think with a player who is now in his sixth or seventh year with the club, to kick him completely out of the squad, that’s absolutely not okay.

"He's shown his class on the pitch, he's never been negative towards his colleagues or the club.

"Arsenal as a club have not looked positive in this situation over the last months."

"It was really a shame that it ended like this. No professional is satisfied if he is not allowed to play.

"Now Mesut can finally do what we all love again: play football."

Podolski was also delighted that the league were able to attract a player of his calibre.

He added: "I am delighted that Mesut will play for us in Turkey in the future. He is an asset to the league and at 32 years of age is still in his prime footballing age.

"It happens again and again in the Süper Lig that great player names are presented by the club bosses in order to satisfy the fans."

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