Ozil’s Real departure angers Cristiano Ronaldo

The Germany playmaker signed for the Gunners in a £42.5 million deal on transfer deadline day to become their most expensive signing. While Arsenal fans and players celebrated the coveted capture, the reaction was quite the opposite at the Catalan club.

The news of the transfer came only hours after confirmation of Real’s world-record £86million signing of Tottenham’s Gareth Bale.

Despite the signing of the Welshman, Ronaldo, who is on international duty with Portugal, is reported to have expressed his frustration on Ozil’s exit, according to Spanish paper AS.

“The sale of Ozil is very bad news for me,” said the former Manchester United forward.

“He was the player who best knew my moves in front of goal. I’m angry about Ozil leaving.”

Ozil scored over 60 goals and had more than 70 assists during the three years who spend at Real Madrid between 2010 and 2013.

His departure also surprised Real Madrid defender Sergio Ramos.


“It’s obvious that he is a special teammate and friend,” he said. “I’ve always had a real feeling with him, and it’s a shame. He’s a great footballer.

“Ozil would be the very last player who I would sell from Real Madrid, if it was up to me. I don’t understand this.

“But he has decided, and the club too. We have a great team and I hope it will be a big year [for us].”

Ozil exit is puzzling, says German coach Low

The Germany schemer’s national coach, Joachim Low was also astonished at Real’s decision of getting rid of the player.

“Many Real players like Sami Khedira or Cristiano Ronaldo are sad about the transfer,” he said.

“For me, it’s incomprehensible that Real would sell one of their top scorers. Mesut is a sensitive player and he needs the faith from the club and the coach.

“It seems that was no longer 100% there at Real whereas Arsenal and their coach Arsene Wenger pulled out all the stops to get him.”

Published in The Express Tribune, September 5^th, 2013.