New Fenerbahce manager Jorge Jesus has confirmed Mesut Ozil is not in his plans... despite the player committing his future to the club just three days ago.
Ozil, 33, hasn't played for Fenerbahce since he was suspended by the Turkish giants in March following an alleged row with previous manager Ismail Kartal. That led to speculation about his future, which the former Germany international was keen to quash.
Ozil announced his desire to complete his existing deal - which expires in two years' time - on Tuesday. Many thought the midfielder would be in Jesus' plans following the departure of Kartal, yet the new boss has declared his desire to bring in his own players.
"He had his time, his space," said Jesus at his unveiling, as quoted by the Daily Mail. "He has a beautiful history in Turkey, nobody can take it away from him. He is a well-known player around the world. But I will follow exactly what was the end of the Ozil era."
"The most important thing here is not the coach Jorge Jesus, the most important thing here is not the player Ozil, the most important thing here is not any player. The most important thing here is Fenerbahce and it is from there that I build my ideas and the players who come to work with me."
Ozil was enjoying a solid season in Turkey before he was suspended by Fenerbahce, scoring nine goals and providing two assists in 26 appearances. Fans were looking forward to seeing him represent the club again following his recent statement.
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"Recently, I have had to make a statement regarding the allegations made about my career," tweeted Ozil. "I had completed my career goal by signing a 3.5-year contract with Fenerbahce, my childhood love, without even getting paid for the first 6 months.
"I repeat with emphasis; I will not end my career in a team other than Fenerbahce. For the duration of my contract, my only goal is to sweat our Cubuklu jersey. This decision is very clear and final.
"As per the requirements of professional life, if our management takes a decision about me, I will only respect this attitude. I will work hard and always keep myself ready. As I always say, the main thing is Fenerbahce. With my love and respect to the great Fenerbahce fans."
Speaking exclusively to Mirror Football, Ozil's agent Dr Erkut Sogut also confirmed his client's desire to stay at Fenerbahce. "We all expect it [Ozil to play for Fenerbahce next season]," said Dr Sogut. "This is what we are hoping for and what we will see.
"[There's] no chance of any movement, he still has two years on his contract and he will stay there... I think he wants to retire his career in Turkey, he always wanted it. I can imagine he'll still do something at Fenerbahce or something in Turkey.
"He is settled there with the family, he loves living there and is enjoying it as well. I can't see right now him going to another country from there. Before the move to Fenerbahce, it could have been done but not anymore I guess. But you never know in football."
