Serie A legend Paolo Di Canio has expressed his view that Arsenal should have not given Mesut Ozil a new contract.

Ozil has had a difficult past few months. He had a poor World Cup with Germany as the 2014 Champions were eliminated during the group stage of the 2018 tournament. After the tournament in Russia, he went on to accuse the German football federation of racism and retired from international football.

Ozil was criticized prior to the World Cup after posing with controversial Turkish leader Erdogan. His performances were below par during Arsenal’s Premier League defeats against Manchester City and Chelsea. News reports have suggested that Ozil was left out of the Gunners match-day squad which played and won against West Ham on Saturday following a training ground row with manager Unai Emery after he learned that he would be on the bench for the game against the Hammers.

Ozil entered the final six months of his contract with Arsenal in January. After being linked with various other clubs, he eventually signed a new three-year contract extension to remain at the Emirates. The new contract sees him earn £350 000 per week and he has become the highest paid player in Arsenal’s history.

Following his off the field troubles, it remains to be seen whether Ozil will be able to find his spark again. At 29-years-old, his best years may be behind him but he could still have a few good years left in him.

Arsenal’s first win of the season would certainly have given them a renewed sense of confidence following the two opening defeats. They play against newly promoted Cardiff City next Sunday and this will present another golden opportunity to claim three points.

Former Sunderland manager Di Canio is one who feels that the Gunners should not have handed Ozil a new contract. As reported by Calciomercato, he told Sky: “I do not like to gossip or hypothesise. He also, last season, was often out; even in the winter. I have followed the career of Ozil since 2013 and I think it’s a coincidence. Last year in 4 games without Ozil, there were 3 wins and a draw against the big clubs. It happens because the teams live with positive empathy and they know how to regroup. It is no coincidence that yesterday Arsenal went under and recovered by winning 3 to 1. Everyone committed themselves. I believe that Arsenal should not have renewed Ozil’s contract. A new path of young people has begun that must be shaped by Emery.”