Robert Pires blasts Arsenal fans calling Mesut Ozil ‘lazy’
Arsenal legend Robert Pires has slammed fans that criticism Mesut Ozil for being ‘lazy’.
Ozil has come under fire from sections of the Arsenal fanbase and media for not working hard enough.
Pires revealed that he feels Ozil is actually a hard working player who is ‘incredibly important’ for Arsenal.
Pires told bwin: “I think the treatment of Mesut is wrong. Of course footballers will get criticism, but I think the criticism towards him has been over the top.
“Mesut Ozil is an incredibly important footballer for Arsenal, Arsene Wenger and the team.
“One thing I want to pick up on is fans calling Mesut Ozil is lazy. Seriously, it’s crazy – this is a massive misconception.
“He wants to work hard, he wants to do the dirty work for the team because he’s a winner.”
Pires underlined that he believes Ozil is a work class player and that fans overreact when he does not play well.
The former Arsenal man revealed that every player has ups and downs and that it is impossible to play at the highest level without having a bad patch.
“I don’t agree with fans who make these claims. Everyone knows that Mesut Ozil is a world class player but sometimes you play well and sometimes you don’t and I think too much is made of when he doesn’t play well.
“It’s impossible to play on the same level for 10 months, trust me.”
Ozil has 11 goals and 11 assists in all competitions for the Gunners this season.
The 28-year-old will have just 12 months remaining on his contract at the end of the season.
The playmaker is expected to start for the Gunners in the North London derby against Tottenham at White Hart Lane on Sunday.
