Zinedine Zidane has questioned Ozil's strength to fight for his place during his time at the Bernabeu
Real Madrid legend Zinedine Zidane has seemingly questioned new Arsenal signing Mesut Ozil's strength to fight for his place during his time at the Santiago Bernabeu.
German playmaker Ozil, who arrived in the Spanish capital from Bundesliga
side Werder Bremen in the summer of 2010, left Real after joining the North London outfit for a fee believed to be in the region of £42.5 million on what was a particularly frantic transfer deadline day.
Following the move Zidane, who is one of the Madrid club's most celebrated former players, has wished Ozil well as he embarks upon his first foray into the Premier League but also appeared to insinuate that the 24-year-old declined to show the strength necessary to battle for a starting berth at Real.
Zidane has a coaching role at Real. (©GettyImages)
In an interview with the club's official channel that was reported by Goal.com, Zidane said: "Ozil decided to leave. He is a good player who has given us so much so we wish him well.
"There are players who have responded with strength and will to fight for a place, but not everyone reacted the same."Zidane, who is now part of new manager Carlo Ancelotti's backroom staff at the Bernabeu, also suggested that another reported Arsenal target, Argentine winger Angel di Maria, displayed the battling qualities necessary after being persistently linked with a move away from La Liga.
"[Angel] Di Maria responded well and wanted to fight," he added.
Real have started the new season well, with three consecutive wins propelling them to fourth place in the table on goal difference. They return to action after the international break with a trip to Villarreal on Saturday.
Welsh star Gareth Bale, who joined the nine-time European Cup winners for a world-record fee prior to the close of the summer window, is set to make his debut in the iconic white strip.
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