Fenerbahce have released a statement confirming that former Arsenal attacking midfielder Mesut Ozil and former Watford loanee Ozan Tufan have been "excluded" from the squad. football.london understands that this is due to a verbal altercation with the club's interim manager.
The short statement published on Fenerbahce's social media translates as: "Our Football A Team players Mesut Özil and Ozan Tufan were excluded from the squad as per the decision taken. It is announced to the public."
The ex-Hornets loanee returned to his parent club in Turkey one month ago after a mutual termination of his loan, whilst Ozil, who left the Gunners in 2021, has reportedly been 'unhappy' in the Super Lig on his return. Feelings that have been slammed by Fenerbahce president Ali Koc slammed in an interview conducted at the end of 2021.
"Since the start of this season, Mesut Ozil has been compared to Robin van Persie," Koc told Fenerbahce TV. "Ozil wants to play more. From now on, he needs to focus on his game and keep his commercial interests out of it. He needs to think about contributing to Fenerbahce.
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"Our coach also needs to try to figure out how to get the most out of Ozil. There is not a problem, despite what the media says. Mesut is unhappy because he does not play regularly."
football.london understands that the decision to remove Arsenal's former No.10 came about due to the attacking midfielder being involved in a verbal altercation with interim manager Ismail Kartal in their 2-1 home win against second placed Konyaspor. The midfielder was substituted at half-time of the match.
With Ozil being publicly excluded from the squad, he and Tufan will not be allowed to train with the first team ahead of their away fixture this weekend against Kayserispor. Consequently, unless a new manager can come in and diffuse the situation, Arsenal's former star will likely be on the search for a new club in the summer.
