Footballer Mesut Ozil, a German national of Turkish descent, on his way to Istanbul to complete Fenerbahce move, the club announced on Sunday.
“Club Statement: Our club is bringing Mesut Özil to Istanbul to continue the transfer processes,” Fenerbahce said on Twitter.
The German World Cup winner Ozil also shared photos on Instagram, flying to Istanbul with his family.
Ozil joined Arsenal in 2013 after three successful seasons at Spanish giants Real Madrid, where he helped the Los Blancos win a La Liga title, a Spanish Cup, and a Spanish Super Cup.
With 44 goals and 77 assists in 254 games in England, he played a critical role as the Gunners won four FA Cup trophies and reached the UEFA Europa League final in a span of six years.
Ozil was a key part of Germany’s 2014 World Cup-winning side but after what he labelled “racist” attacks following the holders’ first-round exit at the 2018 tournament, he ended his international career.
According to Anadolu Agency, amid a dip in form and fractious relations with current manager Mikel Arteta and his predecessor Unai Emery, 32-year-old Ozil has gone from having limited playing time to being completely frozen out of the Arsenal first team.
Left out of this season’s Premier League and Europa League squads, Ozil has not made an appearance for the London side since last March.
“I am a Fenerbahce fan. That is why I am very happy to be coming to Turkey with Fenerbahce,” Ozil said. “I’m very excited. God gave me the chance to wear this jersey as a Fenerbahce fan. God willing, I will carry it with honour and do everything I can for the team,” he added.
