“He needs to focus on his game and keep his commercial interests out of it.”
Mesut Özil has been told to focus on football rather than his commercial interests by Fenerbahce president Ali Koc.
The German made the move to the Turkish capital in January, leaving Arsenal after seven-and-a-half-years at the Emirates.
The 33-year-old – who won the World Cup in 2014 – has struggled for form this season, making 13 appearances and starting on just eight occasions.
Despite registering four goals and one assist, Koc has stated that Özil needs to focus on football, rather than events away from the pitch.
“Since the start of this season, Mesut Ozil has been compared to Robin van Persie (in terms of his status at Fenerbahce),” Koc told Fernebache TV.
“Ozil wants to play more. From now on, he needs to focus on his game and keep his commercial interests out of it. He needs to think about contributing to Fenerbahce.
“Our coach also needs to try to figure out how to get the most out of Ozil. There is not a problem, despite what the media says. Mesut is unhappy because he does not play regularly.”
Ozil’s underwhelming form has coincided with a disappointing start to the season for the nineteen-time Turkish champions, who are already 10 points off leaders Trabzonspor and are currently seventh in the Super Lig.
Last month, the former Arsenal midfielder was seen kicking over some water bottles in the Europa League after being substituted against Royal Antwerp.
There has also been speculation in recent months that clubs in Qatar and MLS are monitoring the former Germany international’s situation.
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