Mesut Ozil's Agent Slams 'Jealous' and 'Stupid' Martin Keown After Criticism

Arsenal midfielder Mesut Ozil's agent has responded to criticism of the player from Martin Keown, branding the former Gunners defender "jealous" and "stupid." 

Keown took aim at Ozil after Arsenal's UEFA Europa League elimination against Atletico Madrid on Thursday, questioning his performance and character.

In response, Ozil's representative, Erkut Sogut, issued a verbal attack on the pundit, per Chris Wheatley of Goal:

"Is he envious about the money and exposure that current footballers have? I don't know. But to sit there and criticise, and criticise, and criticise, time and time again, it's getting a bit boring, in all honesty. ...

"You said that Mesut was not loyal and would run down his contract and leave the club. Good prediction—he signed a new contract. 

"Talking about loyalty and dedication, he has played throughout the season against medical advice. This has been kept hidden from the public, but when you're attacked so viciously, it deserves a mention. ...

"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?"

Catherine Ivill - AMA/Getty Images

In a scathing rant, Sogut also criticised the ex-Arsenal man's playing career, saying he left the Gunners to play for Everton and Aston Villa because he "wasn't good enough."

Sogut slammed Keown's conduct when he was a player, making reference to when he barged into Ruud van Nistelrooy at the end of an ill-tempered match against Manchester United in 2003.

Wheatley provided more quotes from the agent's tirade, picking up on recent criticism of manager Arsene Wenger:

After the match against Atletico, Keown told BT Sport that Ozil "wasn't fit to wear the shirt" in the semi-final and also predicted the playmaker wouldn't feature in Sunday's game with Burnley as "he'll have some emotional breakdown" (h/t James Benge of the Evening Standard).

Ozil didn't end up featuring in the contest, which Arsenal won 5-0. The playmaker posted on Twitter that he missed the match because of a back issue; James Olley of the Evening Standard provided more details:

Since arriving at the club in 2013, Ozil has represented a conundrum for Arsenal. And when he's discussed, there's rarely any middle ground.

There are those who appreciate the craft and intelligence of one of the game's great technicians, as Ozil has the natural talent to bring any game under his spell. Yet there are those who focus on his languid style.

Ozil agreed a new long-term contract with the club recently, meaning it's likely he will be a key man under Wenger's replacement next season. Finding a way to get the best from the Germany international will be crucial to the new boss if he is to be successful.