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Former Arsenal playmaker Mesut Ozil has reportedly had his contract terminated by Turkish giants Fenerbahce. Following his termination, he is in talks with rival club Istanbul Basaksehir for a contract with the club.
He joined Fenerbahce on a free transfer following an acrimonious exit from the Gunners in January 2021. The former Germany international has scored nine goals and given three assists in 37 appearances across competitions in his short stint at the club.
However, according to Turkish online sports platform NTV Spor, the 33-year-old has been released by the Istanbul club. He was deemed surplus to requirements, despite having two years left on his deal after new coach Jorge Jesus took over the reigns.
The playmaker has fallen out of favor at Fenerbahce. He was frozen out of the squad towards the end of the most recent campaign, after a verbal altercation with interim boss Ismail Kartal, as seen in the Daily Mail.
Ozil wanted to end his playing career at his boyhood club Fenerbahce. However, he appears set to join former Tottenham Hotspur winger Nacer Chadli at Başakşehir, who finished fourth in the Turkish Super Lig last term.
Mesut Ozil set to move into eSports after football career concludes according to former Arsenal star's agent
The former Arsenal midfielder was frozen out towards the end of his time at Fenerbahce. His agent Dr. Erkut Sogut recently told that he already has a promising career lined up after he hangs up the boots.
Dr. Sogut claimed (as per the Daily Telegraph via Sky Sports):
"He will go more into eSports, play himself and maybe become an eSports athlete. He's really good, to be honest, at Fortnite and I think one day I wouldn't be surprised if he is competing."
He added:
"He owns a team - M10 Esports - and he has players. He has a gaming house in Germany. He has football, like FIFA, and Fortnite."
Ozil's departure from the Emirates Stadium last year appeared to be a messy affair. Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta had left the World Cup winner out of his Premier League squad. Ozil then posted on social media (as quoted in the previously referenced Sky Sports report):
"I'm really deeply disappointed by the fact that I have not been registered for the Premier League season for the time being. Upon signing my new contract in 2018, I pledged my loyalty and allegiance to the club that I love, Arsenal, and it saddens me that this has not been reciprocated."
He added:
"As I have just found out, loyalty is hard to come by nowadays. I've always tried to remain positive from week to week that there's maybe a chance to get back in the squad soon again. That's why I kept silent so far."
