Former Arsenal Star Mesut Ozil Endures Embarrassing Defeat in First Game for Istanbul Basaksehir

Former Arsenal Star Mesut Ozil Endures Embarrassing Defeat in First Game for Istanbul Basaksehir

Godwin Nii Armah Tagoe
updated at April 12, 2023 at 8:08 PM
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  • Erstwhile Arsenal offensive midfielder Mesut Ozil lost 7-1 on his first appearance for Istanbul Basaksehir's reserves
  • The 2014 FIFA World Cup winner joined Basaksehir last month after his stint with Turkish giants Fenerbache came to an abrupt end
  • The ex-Germany international has not played a senior game since his suspension by Fenerbahce in March

Ex-Arsenal playmaker Mesut Ozil was on the receiving end as his new club Istanbul Basaksehir suffered a humiliating 7-1 defeat to Kasimpasa on Wednesday, August 10.

Ozil joined Basaksehir on a one-year deal this summer following the mutual termination of his contract with Turkish giants Fenerbache.

The 33-year-old's 18-month spell with the Yellow Canaries came to an abrupt end with Ozil missing the last few games of the season.

Mesut Ozil, Istanbul Basaksehir, Arsenal, Fenerbache, 2014 FIFA World Cup
Mesut Ozil completed a switch to Istanbul Basaksehir last month following the mutual termination of his contract with Fenerbache. Photo credit: @Arsenal @ibfk2014
Source: Twitter

In a bid to get improve his match fitness, Basaksehir, who finished fourth in the Turkish top-flight last season. selected Ozil for Wednesday’s reserve team clash against visitors Kasimpasa.

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The 2014 World Cup winner featured in the first half of the preparatory game, where Basaksehir were down by a goal after halftime.

He was substituted after recess but it proved detrimental as Kasimpasa worsened the woes of the hosts - netting six times to end the fixture by a landslide 7-1 win.

Despite the heavy loss, Ozil has the full of backing of new boss Emre Belozoglu.

He said as quoted by the Sun: “Ozil has not been working with the team for four to five months. He will have another 20-25 days ahead of him to be ready.
“We are doing our best and he is doing his best, he wants to play football.
“We are happy with Mesut, he has to finish well in his career.”

Mesut Ozil aims subtle jab at former club Fenerbache

Earlier, Sports Brief reported that it only took 29 minutes for former Arsenal man Mesut Ozil to make public news that he had bounced back in football after parting ways with Fenerbahce.

After a dream arrival at the Turkish club, Mesut Ozil’s time at Fenerbahce was fairly underwhelming and 18 months later, the German’s contract was ripped apart.

Things took a turn for the worse for Ozil after a fallout with coach Ismail Kartal, and the midfielder did not play for the club since March.

Authors
Godwin Nii Armah Tagoe photo
Godwin Nii Armah Tagoe
Godwin Nii Armah Tagoe is a Ligue 1, Bundesliga, and La Liga editor with five-year experience. He previously worked with Sports Corna and 360SportsGH.
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