Istanbul (AP) – Ex-world champion Mesut Özil wants to fulfill his contract with Fenerbahçe Istanbul despite the current suspension. For the duration of his contract, his only goal is to sweat in the club’s jersey, the 33-year-old wrote on Twitter.
“I repeat emphatically; I will not end my career in any team other than Fenerbahçe,” affirmed the former German international.
Özil joined Fenerbahçe from Arsenal in the English Premier League last year. “I had achieved my career goal by signing a 3.5-year contract with Fenerbahçe, my childhood sweetheart, without being paid for the first 6 months,” Özil explained.
His contract with the top Turkish club, which qualified for the Champions League as second in the championship behind Trabzonspor, runs until June 30, 2024. However, there was also speculation that the offensive player could seek a move to the USA.
Özil wants to fight back
Özil was excluded from the squad in March. A few days later, his advisor Erkut Sögüt confirmed that the 33-year-old wanted to stay with the Turkish club. “He wants to make his contribution. He wants to play, he wants to stay on the field for 90 minutes,” said Sögüt.
In November, club president Ali Koc had already complained that Özil finally had to concentrate on his work. “He needs to put his business matters aside and focus more on how to best contribute and do his best for Fenerbahce,” said Koc.
Özil has now announced that he wants to fight his way back into the squad. “I will work hard and always be ready, as I always say, the main thing is Fenerbahçe,” wrote the 2014 world champion.