Arsenal's highest-paid player Mesut Ozil became the centre of attention when the London club announced that 55 members of staff would lose their jobs, and he has now explained why he refused to take a wage cut like his teammates reportedly did a few months back.
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The Gunners recently announced on social media that 55 staff members would be made redundant following the economic strain the club has experienced in recent months.
Arsenal's decision did not sit well with many supporters across the world, especially as there were certain players in the squad, including Ozil, who did not accept salary deferrals.
The 2014 FIFA World Cup winner, who is said to earn £350 000 (R8 million) a week in London, has now explained that he was not given enough information as to where the money would be going and therefore decided against accepting the cut.
"As players, we all wanted to contribute. But we needed more information and many questions were unanswered," he told The Athletic.
"Everyone was fine with a deferral while there was so much uncertainty – I would have been OK to take a bigger share – and then a cut if required, once the football and financial outlook was clearer. But we were rushed into it without proper consultation.
Click through the gallery below to see where Ozil ranks among the highest-paid midfielders in Europe!
"For anyone in this situation, you have a right to know everything, to understand why it is happening and where the money is going. But we didn't get enough details, we just had to give a decision. It was far too quick for something so important and there was a lot of pressure.
"This was not fair, especially for the young guys, and I refused. I had a baby at home and have commitments to my family here, in Turkey and in Germany – to my charities, too, and also a new project we started to support people in London that was from the heart and not for publicity.
"People who know me know exactly how generous I am and, as far as I'm aware, I was not the only player who rejected the cut in the end, but only my name came out.
"I guess that's because it is me and people have been trying for two years to destroy me, to make me unhappy, to push an agenda they hope will turn the supporters against me and paint a picture that is not true.
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"Possibly the decision affected my chances on the pitch, I don't know. But I'm not afraid to stand up for what I feel is right – and when you see what has happened now with the jobs, maybe I was."
What is your take on Ozil not accepting a 12.5% wage cut earlier this season, as most of his teammates did? Let us know in the comments section below.
