Özil news roundup: Ronaldo angry, Mourinho blocked Ba move, Khedira ‘knew for days’ & more

Mesut Özil is one of the most talked about names in football at present after his Deadline Day move to Arsenal. It’s not just the fans that are surprised by the move with Madrid team-mates expressing their disappointment, German boss Joachim Low and former Gunners captain Cesc Fabregas both admitting their surprise, but offered their full confidence in the deal. Interestingly compatriot and close friend Sami Khedira revealed he knew days before the move was sealed despite reports suggesting the deal was a last minute decision.

Jose Mourinho also praised the German international and even went as far as saying he is the best No.10 in the game. He consequently blocked his third-choice striker Demba Ba joining the Gunners as he was scared they could mount a title challenge with the Senegalese striker. Özil’s father also answered questions on his son’s decision to move to north London.

Starting with the most hilarious, here we go:

Cristiano Ronaldo

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Mr Ronaldo was perhaps the most vocal and frustrated with Özil’s departure, going as far to say that was ‘angry’ with Madrid for selling the assist-king.

Gareth Bale arrived this window as did Spanish starlet Isco however the Real Madrid star man declared his anger at losing Özil who provided so many of the Portuguese forwards goals.

He reportedly said:

The sale of Özil is very bad news for me.
He was the player who best knew my moves in front of goal. I’m angry about Ozil leaving.

Sergio Ramos

Real Madrid defender Ramos also expressed his disappointment at losing the attacking midfielder who he feels would be the ‘very last’ player he would have wanted to see depart:

It’s obvious that he is a special teammate and friend. I’ve always had a real feeling with him, and it’s a shame. He’s a great footballer.
Özil would be the very last player who I would sell from Real Madrid, if it was up to me. I don’t understand this. But he has decided, and the club too. We have a great team and I hope it will be a big year [for us].

Sami Khedira

The German international combative midfielder joined Madrid during the same summer as Özil and is close friends with the newly announced Arsenal midfielder.

The Özil deal had appeared, on the face of it, to be a Deadline Day dash due to Bale’s eventual signing for the La Liga runner-ups. But Khedira’s comments suggest that the deal was craftily executed by the Gunners as to not alert the likes of the Spuds and United of any potential move.

The Madrid midfielder said soon after his compatriot’s move to north London:

It didn’t come as a big surprise to me. Two or three days ago Mesut told me of his plans.

Jose Mourinho

Acquiring the German midfielder was not the only task for Arsene Wenger on Monday, as the Frenchman needed another striker to compete with, or backup for, Olivier Giroud. One name who almost made a loan move was Chelsea forward Demba Ba – a deal that Mourinho personally blocked.

The newly re-instated Blues boss knows Özil well from his time at Madrid and hailed him as the best No.10 in the world. He believed that if Arsenal acquired Ba they would be title contenders and consequently prevented any move eventuating .

The Portuguese manager said:

I did not accept Arsenal’s offer for Demba Ba because added to their signing of Özil, they would have been title contenders,”
Ozil is unique, there is no copy of him, not even a bad one.
He is the best No. 10 in the world. He made things easier for me and his team-mates with his vision of the game and the decisions that he made.
Everybody loves him and you can see a bit of [Luis] Figo and [Zinedine] Zidane in him.

Missing out on Ba was a big blow to Arsenal’s squad depth but to be honest they should never have been in a predicament where they need to sign a rival’s surplus striker on Deadline Day. They had over two months to secure someone…Anyone.

But it is pleasing to hear Mourinho praise the Gunner’s transfer record breaking signing with some massive compliments. He is going to be a huge player this season!

Cesc Fabregas

The Barcelona and former Arsenal midfielder was also taken aback by the Gunners business on Monday and feels he will be ‘great’ for Arsenal.

Fabregas believes he is Madrid’s second best player, meaning it is a win-win for Cesc as he former club gains a player who can finally fill his boots, while his bitter rivals Madrid lose a superb midfielder.

According to Sky Sports, he told Spanish radio station Cadena Cope:

I was really surprised by Özil’s departure. He seemed to me the second-best player at Madrid, after Cristiano (Ronaldo).
He’ll be great for Arsenal.

Joachim Low

The Germany manager understands his star midfielder’s move from Madrid however was surprised, like many others, at first.

Özil revealed it was Wenger’s faith in his ability to develop and be a vital cog in his team that convinced him to move to London. Low seconded that and feels the move will benefit the national team and his personal development.

Low reportedly said:

Many Real players like Sami Khedira or Cristiano Ronaldo are sad about the transfer.
I think that Mesut is a sensitive player who needs a lot of trust from the club and the coach.
For me, it’s incomprehensible that Real would sell one of their top scorers.
I think that Mesut is a sensitive player who needs a lot of trust from the club and the coach.
What I’ve heard the last days before this transfer, is that this trust had disappeared in Madrid. Arsenal and Wenger put a lot of effort in to get him, which did him, of course, a lot of good.
That’s why I think personally for us, for the national team, it’s a good transfer. Arsenal is a good club, with a top manager and also with two German team-mates, (Lukas) Podolski and (Per) Mertesacker.
Arsenal also play great football, technically on a high level, and I think that plays into Mesut’s game.

Mustafa Özil

Lastly, the 24-year-old’s father Mustafa Özil answered a host of interesting questions that will excite any Gooner. His son is proud to wear red and white and is eager to guide his new side to silverware.

Here is a selection of the quotes taken from Arsenal’s transcript:

Why did Mesut decide to join Arsenal?
Arsenal is a very big club. The club tried hard to sign Mesut and he has a great perspective there. Mesut wants to help the club to bring in some silverware. We appreciate the interest of such a big coach like Arsène Wenger.
The fans will expect a lot of Mesut…
He can show his skills and help the club to win the Premier League or maybe an international title.
Is he happy to take a new challenge?
He is proud to play for Arsenal and we are looking forward to London. Arsenal is his new club.
What role did Arsène Wenger play in Mesut’s decision?
He was one of the deciding persons to convince us. It’s also very helpful that he speaks German well. But that’s not all. He also told us about his plans with the team and especially with Mesut. He wants him to play a big role in midfield.
Arsène Wenger is well known for developing talent. Do you hope that Mesut can improve under him?
Of course I do. Mesut is still not at his top level. I’m sure there is still 15 to 20 per cent to get out of him and Mr Wenger will help him to do that.

Yes the signing of Özil has raised a few eyebrows of many, but for Arsenal fans it is a real statement of intent by the club after splashing a huge transfer fee on the attacking midfielder. They are short up front (will get into that later today..) but the midfield was plenty of versatile options that will hopefully see them through into the latter stages of all the Cup and league competitions.

Mourinho know’s how much of a coup this is for the Gunners, while Low has rightly hailed the impact Arsene Wenger will have on the player’s development. This suddenly is an exciting season for Arsenal…If they can remain relatively injury-free.

What are your thoughts Gooners? Comment below..