After a forgettable end to last season, Mesut Ozil is hoping the new season starts on a good note.
The 31-year-old did not play for the Gunners after the Premier League restart in June. A combination of a back injury and being frozen out by boss Mikel Arteta saw him miss the remaining 13 games.
Ozil last featured for the Gunners in their 1-0 win against West Ham back in March.
The German has entered the final year of his contract at Emirates Stadium and the north London side keen to shift his £350,000-a-week salary off the wage bill.
However, Ozil has reportedly insisted he will see out the remainder of his deal.
His latest stance to that came on a Q&A on his personal Twitter account on Wednesday afternoon. The midfielder confirmed he is ready to feature for the Gunners in their opening game at Fulham on Saturday if called upon.
“I’m fit & ready and doing my best,” Ozil wrote when asked a question if he was fit and ready for selection for the Premier League opener at Craven Cottage.”
“Unfortunately it’s not in my hands to decide about the squad on the weekend. We will see!”
I’m fit & ready and doing my best. Unfortunately it’s not in my hands to decide about the squad on the weekend. We will see! #AskMesut https://t.co/E64eUzsr7j
— Mesut Özil (@MesutOzil1088) September 9, 2020
When asked if he would rather play for Spurs or retire, he replied: “If I don’t want to win a cup, I should go there.”
Ozil has been the subject of plenty of criticism linked to his work-rate and performances in season-defining games since his arrival in England seven years ago.
But he insisted he does not lose much sleep over what is written about him and added: “Don’t listen to the critics. Just focus on yourself”
