Football has seemed to be quite black and white in recent years, you’re either Wenger in or out, you either think a player is great or sh*t or more recently you either have to absolutely bash Mesut Ozil or you have to be a fanboy.

But on Mesut Ozil....

We had just beaten spurs at home when AW with a cheeky smile said ‘we may have a surprise for you’ when asked about the window which was closing the next day. News broke a few hours later that Mesut was coming. Many were still in pubs around the ground & the excitement was real!

Those of us at Sunderland away in Ozil first game saw an assist to Giroud within mins and Theo could have scored 3 in the first half! Mesut looked awesome. His goal at home Vs Napoli was superb. It was all going great & he was playing well.

The connection with Alexis Sanchez was top. We won fa cups, perhaps if we had strengthen in other positions, we may have challenged. Life was good with Mesut Ozil. But when AW went, there was a change of culture which I think most would agree needed to happen.

For me ozil was the big casualty. Not because he suddenly turned into a bad player but Unai Emery had a different style. It seemed to impact on Ozil. He become inconsistent (and probably was under AW). And despite playing for Mikel initially,for whatever reason hasn’t been picked

Again that’s not because Ozil had turned into a bad player but something has happened and it’s impacted on everyone. I was told by someone in football who said Ozil’s mentally checked out a bit after retiring for Germany etc. No idea if true.

But my conclusion is I’m glad Ozil is hopefully moving on - it’s best for all. We have moved away from him (yes you can argue results haven’t been good & he should be playing but the decision has been made) & financially need him off the books so we can move on.

BUT I’ll never forget ‘that feeling’ of wow - ‘Mesut Ozil is signing for Arsenal’. When did we have that last? Dennis maybe? And he instantly gave a boost to the entire club & results picked up. But the last year or two, it just hasn’t worked & I wish we partied company earlier.

But despite it not happening earlier (& costing millions in wages but remember any player is within their right not to budge - AFC gave him a contract) I am grateful for Ozil contributions, certainly in those first few years & even after but also looking forward to life post Ozil