Mesut Ozil has admitted he "started to cry" when boarding a plane to complete his transfer to Arsenal in the summer of 2013.
Ozil, 34, has called time on his career after a difficult season with Turkish outfit Istanbul Basaksehir. The 2014 World Cup winner will be best remembered for his spells with Real Madrid and the Gunners, although his new admission will raise eyebrows at the Emirates.
The former Germany international claimed he was "really happy" at Madrid but had to leave after being made surplus to requirements. Ozil has also claimed that "many things changed" after Arsene Wenger stepped down as Arsenal manager in the summer of 2018.
Ozil has revealed all in an interview with Spanish newspaper Marca. He said, "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."
The newly retired playmaker added, "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."
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Ozil joined Real in the summer of 2010 after spells with Schalke and Werder Bremen in Germany. The midfielder was a regular during his time in Madrid, as he played 159 games and won three trophies - including the LaLiga title - during a three-year spell.
Arsenal signed Ozil in a £42.5million deal after he was shown the door by Real. He was a key member of Arsenal's squad for several years - winning four FA Cups - but was deemed surplus to requirements by Mikel Arteta in the summer of 2020.
Ozil was eventually released from his Gunners contract in January 2021 and later played for Fenerbahce and Basaksehir in Turkey. Arteta's decision to axe Ozil has been vindicated, as a young Arsenal team sit eight points clear at the top of the Premier League.
Ozil was asked about his Arsenal exit during his recent interview. He said, "The first years were very good. We played in the Champions League, we had a great team with great players and an incredible coach like Arsene Wenger. He was a true gentleman.
"He was always very respectful. When he left the club, something was missing. We had a great relationship and I feel privileged that he was my manager at Arsenal. After he left the club, many things changed for me. But I have no interest in adding fuel to the fire again."
Despite these comments, Ozil has thrown his support behind Arsenal's Premier League title charge - insisting "they deserve it" - and paid tribute to the club's fans.
