Arsenal - Mesut Ozil
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Mesut Özil has denied reports claiming he played a key role in convincing Leroy Sané to reject Arsenal and join Turkish giants Galatasaray this summer.
Arsenal had shown interest in the former Bayern Munich winger, whose contract with the German champions expires at the end of June. However, in a surprise twist, the 29-year-old opted for a move to Istanbul, signing a lucrative three-year deal reportedly worth over £10 million per season with Galatasaray.
Following the announcement, speculation swirled that ex-Arsenal and Germany star Özil was instrumental in persuading Sané to choose Galatasaray over a potential move to north London. However, Özil has now firmly dismissed those claims in an interview with Turkish media.
“Big names are coming to Turkey. They are playing football here,” Özil said. “Hopefully, our big clubs will also be successful in Europe. I am very happy that Sané has come to Turkey. He is someone who, like me, came through the Schalke youth academy.”
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When pressed on whether he influenced Sané’s decision, Özil clarified that while the two spoke, it was not a recruitment pitch for Galatasaray.
Leroy Sané - Galatasaray
Leroy Sané joined Galatasaray from Bayern Munich this summer despite links to Arsenal (Image credit: Getty Images)
“We talked before I came to Turkey, but it’s not like I directed him to Galatasaray as written in the media,” Özil said. “He asked about life in Turkey and Istanbul. I told him it was a beautiful, safe city with incredible food. I said we would be very happy if he came — and he did. We wish him success.”
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Sané has since addressed his decision to leave Bayern and make the unexpected switch to Turkey. Despite reports earlier in the year suggesting he was close to renewing with Bayern, the winger revealed that a final agreement was never reached.
“The decision wasn’t easy for me,” Sané explained. “My time here wasn’t always easy, but there were many highlights. I felt at home, especially last season, and I’ve made many friends in the team.”
He added, “Even if the media portrayed it that way, there was never a 100 percent agreement. Unfortunately, that put unnecessary pressure on everyone involved. But it is what it is — I’m not angry with anyone.”
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