Gunners midfielder believes German playmaker will come good.Arsenal midfielder Mikel Arteta has leaped to the defence of the club’s big-money signing of last summer, Mesut Ozil, insisting he has done well to deal with big expectations placed on him.
Speaking at Arsenal’s kit launch on Thursday, as reported by Football Express News, the Spaniard praised his under-fire team-mate for his performances throughout last season, and felt that people were harsh on him due to his big price tag.
The German international, now a World Cup winner after last night’s 1-0 victory over Argentina, became Arsenal’s club-record signing when he moved from Real Madrid for £42.5m last summer, and some critics have said he has not repaid that transfer fee yet.
“When you pay £40m for someone there are always going to be critics,” Arteta told reporters.
“It’s been over the top because Arsenal don’t usually spend that kind of money, so expectations are really high.
“He’s never been in that situation before but he coped with it really well, he took it on the chin, he tried really hard and he was always in a position to help the team. People forget how well he started and how many good moments he gave us during the season.
“When you cost £40m, people look at you with different eyes but Mesut is really relaxed. He’s been under big pressure, but hopefully next season he can be even better for us.”
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