‘It is not easy as they are critical’ – Germany defender slams media treatment of Arsenal’s Mesut Ozil

Arsenal captain Per Mertesacker has slammed the British press for their treatment of Mesut Ozil.

The former Germany international also defended his teammate and stated that Ozil will prove all his doubters wrong.

Ozil came under fire from pundits and fans following Arsenal’s defeats to Stoke City and Liverpool earlier this season.

Speaking to the German outlet Sport1, Mertesacker reaffirmed his belief in the former Real Madrid star.

See More: ‘Elephant in the room. Team much better without Ozil’ – Arsenal fans react to team display against Chelsea without star playmaker

“It is not easy as they are critical in the English media when it does not happen [on the pitch] – but it does not make any difference and he is one of our most important players,” Arsenal captain Per Mertesacker told German TV station Sport1.

He also plays sensationally in the national team. He will soon show us why he is such a good player.” 

Ozil missed both Arsenal’s 3-1 win over FC Koln on Thursday and their 0-0 draw with Chelsea at Stamford Bridge due to injury.

Arsenal find themselves in 12th place after five games with seven points. Arsene Wenger’s side take on Doncaster in the Football League Cup before hosting West Brom on September 25.