London (AP) - Ex-world champion Lukas Podolski has taken his former national team colleague Mesut Özil under protection.
"He's a good character - he's not an asshole. He doesn't do interviews where he talks badly about his teammates or about Arsenal and it's a shame we have this situation because everyone loses. Özil is in the stands, Arsenal pays him and there is no winner, "said the former Bundesliga professional footballer to the online magazine" The Athletic ".
Özil no longer plays a role under coach Mikel Arteta at Arsenal FC. The Premier League club would like to give up the 31-year-old. But that's not an option for Özil. "I decide when I go, not other people. My position is clear, I will stay here until the last day of our agreement," Özil emphasized last on "The Athletic".
Podolski (35) himself wants to play for another two or three years, he is "happy" with his current Turkish club Antalyaspor. Then he wants to devote himself to his business activities and travel through the stadiums as a football fan. "I know all Cologne songs, good and bad. You only live once and I want to enjoy it," said the father of two, who grew up at 1. FC Köln and enjoys cult status in his favorite club.
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The athletic interview with Özil (payment barrier)
The-Athletic-Interview with Podolski (payment barrier)