The former Gunners captain says he did his best during a spell at the Emirates Stadium to make the most of a separated player.
Unai Emery says he “tried to help” Mesut Ozil during his time as Arsenal boss and prevent the unfortunate situations that have played out in 2020-21 from being happens.
A World Cup-winning player has always been a divider at the Emirates Stadium, with questions constantly asked about his contribution and commitment to the common cause.
That argument has come to an end this season, with Mikel Arteta removing the 32-year-old man from his teams in the Premier League and Europa League.
Ozil has now moved on to the rebellion, with his winning contract running down, with a move to Fenerbahce – the club he backed as a boy – apparently on the cards.
If a long-running saga is brought to an end through the current transfer window, a certified player at the highest level will leave English football with the potential unfilled.
Emery says he did what he could to get Ozil on the right track, with the Spaniard willing to be drawn on why things went so wrong for the former German international in north London.
A man who was relieved of his duties at Arsenal announced in November 2019 ball-coise.london of his experiences with Ozil: “I worked for Mesut for a year and a half and tried to help him, support him and achieve the achievements for the team with him.
“Now I don’t know what the problems are because I’m so focused on Villarreal.
“I follow every game at Arsenal but I don’t know what the problems are with the team or the players. I can only talk about Mesut Ozil when I was with him there and tried to make the best of him. ”
Emery, who refuses to accept that he was a flop in England, has returned to rule in his own country with Villarreal and is looking back at their fortunes.
He believes Arteta can do the same at Arsenal, with the idea that a countryman can return to the Champions League for the Gunners despite a constant struggle for consistency.
Emery added to the ambitions of the last two clubs he has coached: “They are two different teams, of course.
“They play in the same competitions as the Europa League, trying to reach the top four and we are trying to do the same in Spain.
“I think now it is very difficult for Arsenal because of Liverpool, Manchester United and other teams but I think Arsenal will get back in the top four and get back because there is stability in the club.
“It’s the same thing here in Villarreal where we are consistent and I like the style we play here, the club also try to be in the top six and also the top four achieve that and it is a good season for us if we achieve that.
“I’m here and I’m very happy in Villarreal.”