Arsene Wenger backs 'genius' Mesut Ozil to thrive at Fenerbahce
Arsene Wenger has said "genius" Mesut Ozil will thrive in a “warm environment” once he completes his move from Arsenal to Fenerbahce.
The playmaker is still in the process of finalising his deal with Fenerbahce after flying to Turkey for a medical earlier this week, following an agreement with Arsenal to terminate his contract in north London.
Wenger, who signed Ozil for Arsenal and was manager when the club gave him his £350,000-a-week deal, said the 32-year-old can kick start his career in Istanbul.
“Mesut is a guy who needs a warm environment and I believe he will find that more than anywhere else in Turkey," Wenger told BeINSports.
“Overall, he can provide the balls that the strikers need to win football games. If they do that well, they have a good chance of winning the league.
“Mesut is like if you imagine an orchestra in music. He's a guy who plays the ball at the right time. The timing of his pass is exceptional, but the creativity of his pass is as well. In every situation he confronts, he gives the right answer and that is genius.
“I'm sure that he's frustrated at not having played. His hunger must be absolutely [enormous] to play football again.”
Meanwhile, Benfica have reported a mass outbreak of coronavirus at the club. The Portuguese side face Arsenal in the Europa League next month and there are now doubts over whether they can play their upcoming fixtures this month.
Benfica meet Arsenal in the first leg of their round-of-32 tie on February 18. The club said 17 people from the playing squad, coaching staff and general staff have tested positive for the virus.
They will now consult the national department of health before deciding whether they should play their upcoming matches in the coming weeks.
