Former Arsenal star Lukas Podolski has slammed his old club over the treatment of Mesut Ozil.

Podolski now plays in Turkey with Antalyaspor and will welcome his old friend to the Super Lig once Ozil completes his free transfer to Fenerbahce.

He said: "I generally think with a player who is now in his sixth or seventh year with the club, to kick him completely out of the squad, that's absolutely not okay.

"He's shown his class on the pitch, he's never been negative towards his colleagues or the club.

"Arsenal as a club have not looked positive in this situation over the last months."

"It was really a shame that it ended like this. No professional is satisfied if he is not allowed to play.

"Now Mesut can finally do what we all love again: play football."

Podolski was also delighted that the league were able to attract a player of his calibre.

He added: "I am delighted that Mesut will play for us in Turkey in the future. He is an asset to the league and at 32 years of age is still in his prime footballing age.

"It happens again and again in the Süper Lig that great player names are presented by the club bosses in order to satisfy the fans."