He was not happy with the comments made about his client by the former Arsenal defender
Mesut Ozil’s agent has described Martin Keown as “jealous” and referred to comments he made about the German international after Arsenal’s recent defeat to Atletico Madrid as “stupid”.
Keown, who featured briefly for Arsenal during their unbeaten league campaign in 2003/04, was furious with Ozil’s work ethic and general performances after the Gunners bowed out of the Europa League against the La Liga side last week, going so far as to say that Ozil wasn’t “fit to wear the shirt”.
“I haven’t been happy with him for some time,” Keown said. “It seems as if he picks and chooses his games.”
“At times I’m watching and thinking ‘are you going to get back for your team and put a shift in?’ The great players I played with, your Bergkamps and your Henrys, they worked hard as well.
“I don’t think this team can carry anybody. Tonight, they looked like they were carrying him.”
Unwilling to let the matter die, Ozil’s agent Dr. Erkut Sogut told Goal that his client had been playing with injuries all season before dismissing Keown as both a television pundit and a former player.
“I think that Martin Keown feels that just because he used to play football, it gives him the right to attack the current generation of stars,” the agent said.
“Perhaps he just wants to remain relevant, or maybe it is due to jealousy?
“Is he envious about the money and exposure that current footballers have – I don’t know.
He then went on to criticise Keown’s behaviour during Arsenal’s infamous 0-0 draw against Manchester United in September 2003, which saw him, as well as a number of other Arsenal players, confront Ruud Van Nistelrooy after he missed a penalty.
“His behaviour towards Van Nistelrooy at Old Trafford brought shame on Arsenal, he will say it showed his passion when really it was bad sportsmanship.
“If Mesut, or any other player in this era were to act like that, they would bring great shame upon themselves and their club.
“Mesut wants to lead this club forward while you try to divide the club to keep yourself in the public eye and relevant with stupid, incorrect comments.
“You joke Mesut will have an ’emotional breakdown’. Do you think it is funny to joke about mental health?”
Well, it appears that that’s him told, and we firmly expect Keown to have a measured response after Ozil’s next poor performance for the Gunners.
