JAKARTA - Mesut Ozil believes Arsenal's commercial interests in China influenced the club's decision to remove him from the Gunners' Premier League and Europa League squad.
The former Germany midfielder launched a scathing attack on his employer on Wednesday, 21 October in which he accused Arsenal of disloyalty. He then added that he would continue to use his global profile to fight inhumanity.
Ozil's 'inciting' remarks were understood to be a reference to his horrendous Instagram post last December in which he condemned allegations of China's persecution of Uighur Muslims in Xinjiang province. Although at that time Arsenal were quickly dismissed as the club's opinion, they accepted commercial consequences.
Chinese state media CCTV responded to Ozil's remarks by removing coverage of Arsenal's Premier League match against Manchester City the following day. Ozil's comments were also criticized by China's foreign ministry and the Chinese FA.
The player of Turkish descent was removed from the Chinese edition of the video game Pro Evolution Soccer and his profile removed from the social media platform Weibo, where he has four million followers.
As long as it is known, Arsenal maintains a significant commercial presence in China, where the club owns a chain of restaurants and has official lottery partners and vehicle providers.
Ozil himself tried hard to avoid criticism of coach Mikel Arteta, but was scathing towards the club.
"After signing my contract in 2018, I pledged allegiance to the club I love, Arsenal, and it makes me sad that this has not been reciprocated (by giving me playing minutes," Ozil said on Twitter. "As I just found out, loyalty is difficult. got this moment. I can promise you that this difficult decision won't change anything in my mindset. "
〽️⚽️ # M1Ö #YaGunnersYa pic.twitter.com/hF7abGklOT
- Mesut Özil (@ MesutOzil1088) October 21, 2020
The £ 42 million signing gave Ozil 10 Premier League games in Arteta's initial tenor last season. However, the former Real Madrid player has not played since May 7 and is now dumped into Arsenal's Under-23 squad.
"I will continue to train as best I can and use my voice as much as possible to fight against inhumanity and for justice," he added.
Arteta said: "What I can say from my side is that it was a football decision. My conscience is very calm because I am very fair with him.
“I have to be the one who brings out the best in the players. It's my responsibility. This has nothing to do with any behavior or, as I read, a pay cut.
"It's my decision. If someone is to (blame) blame me. Here I feel at times I have failed."
It is reported that at least one million Uighurs have been held in camps by Chinese authorities since 2017. The Uighurs claim they are being interrogated, beaten and tortured because of their religion. China claims that many Uighurs are extremists, separatists and terrorists.
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