Loew bemused by Real selling Ozil to Arsenal

Published September 5, 2013
“I have heard a few players like Cristiano Ronaldo or Sami Khedira are sad to lose a class player.” -Photo by AFP
“I have heard a few players like Cristiano Ronaldo or Sami Khedira are sad to lose a class player.” -Photo by AFP

BERLIN: Mesut Ozil's move to Arsenal is good for the German national side, coach Joachim Loew believes, but he is bemused by Real Madrid's decision to sell their midfield star.

Ozil, 24, joined Premier League side Arsenal for 50 million euros (US$65.88m, #42.5m) on Monday's transfer deadline day after Real completed the signing of Gareth Bale from Tottenham Hotspur.

Loew said he was happy to see Ozil move to the Gunners to work under coach Arsene Wenger, but bemused as to why Real let him go.

“The transfer is good for the national team, he will have a top coach at Arsenal and will be playing at a very high level, that'll suit him well,” said Loew with Germany hosting Austria in a World Cup qualifier in Munich on Friday.

“I have heard a few players like Cristiano Ronaldo or Sami Khedira are sad to lose a class player.

“And for me it's hard to understand why Real let one of their top scorers go, but that's business.”

Ozil netted 10 goals for Real last season, setting up a further 24 as Cristiano Ronaldo finished as Real's top scorer with 55.

While Spanish sports daily AS have quoted Ronaldo as being “angry” about Real's decision to sell Ozil, Germany's Arsenal forward Lukas Podolski has said he is delighted at the prospect of playing with his national team-mate on a regular basis.

“That's great for us, Arsenal are getting a fantastic player,” said Podolski.

“I am convinced that he fits well into our sporting concept, we play lots of quick passes and our style will suit him.

“I am sure he will be able to help us.”

Loew said he has already noticed Ozil is clearly “happy and satisfied” with the move during his training sessions with the Germany squad in Munich.

“He's a sensitive player who needs a lot of confidence in him from his club and coach,” said Loew.

“I phoned him in the days before the transfer, because you could feel that this trust was not quite 100 percent there.”

Ozil has made 47 appearances for Germany, scoring 14 goals.

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