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Official: Mesut Ozil leaves Arsenal for Fenerbahce

Mesut Ozil, Arsenal
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The German midfielder has ended a seven-and-a-half-year stay at Arsenal in favor of a free transfer to Fenerbahce.

Arsenal have confirmed Mesut Ozil’s departure to Fenerbahce on a free transfer after seven-and-a-half-years in north London.

The club and Ozil’s representatives struck an agreement to end the player’s lucrative £350,000-a-week contract six months early in order to allow him to complete a move to Fenerbahce; a club he has supported since a young age.

The 32-year-old has spent the last week in Turkey negotiating his free transfer to the Turkish Super Lig giants.

“I’d like to thank the club for this amazing journey over the past seven-and-a-half years,” read a statement from Ozil on Arsenal.com.

“The support I have felt from the team and fans during my time here has been truly incredible and something I will always be grateful for.

“Together we won trophies for the first time in years and created memories that will last a lifetime. The Arsenal fans will forever remain in my heart.

“I’d like to thank [technical director] Edu Gaspar for helping bring about a professional and dignified solution in the past few days, and I wish everyone at the club the best in their attempt to continue to bring Arsenal back to the top, where we belong.”

Ozil made 254 appearances for Arsenal. He won three FA Cup titles while chipping in 44 goals and 77 assists in all competitions.

Now the World Cup winner is eager to get back into action after almost an entire year on the sidelines. He could make his Fenerbahce debut as early as this week – pending his level of match fitness.

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