Ozil: I don't care what critics say, I know there are people that don't like me

Mesut Ozil has claimed “I don’t care what people say”, with the Arsenal star aware that there are “people who don’t like me”.

The German playmaker has been a divisive figure throughout his time at Emirates Stadium, with his languid style earning him as many critics as plaudits.

Despite being a World Cup winner and proven performer at the very highest level, Ozil has often faced accusations of not giving enough to the Gunners cause or going missing in big games.

However, at 30 years of age, the talented midfielder has been around long enough to know that he cannot please everybody and has learned to only pay attention to the opinions of his coaches and family.

Ozil told the Daily Mail of his detractors: “Look, I know there's people out there that like me, there are also people who don't like me.

“This is a fact of life. But, for me, what is important is what the people in my inner circle tell me.

“I don't care what people say outside of that. It doesn't affect me.

“If the coach, or people in my circle, tell me: ‘Mesut you have to do this, or have to do that’ then I listen. I'll take that and work on it.

“But I don't look at what someone else is saying. It really doesn't affect me.”

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Ozil has enjoyed a number of productive outings for Arsenal this season, contributing four goals to the cause across all competitions, and has helped Unai Emery’s side to embark on a 14-game unbeaten run.

They collected 11 successive victories at one stage, aiding their cause in the Premier League, Carabao Cup and Europa League, but there is an acceptance of the need to kick on from this point.

Ozil added ahead of a continental clash with Sporting on Thursday: “Personally, things are going well but that doesn't mean I stop working.

“The most important thing is that the team is going well at the moment. But it's a process - every coach has a different strategy or philosophy and we can feel it.

“It's a tactical thing with the new coach. We are learning from him, we are trying to give our best on the pitch every day and every hour.

“But we have to keep being hungry, and keep progressing. It's not like we are done now. It's like we are just starting.

“We are doing well for now, but that doesn't mean we stop.”