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Mesut Ozil’s Fenerbahce shirt number: Reason behind new signing’s pick

 (AFP via Getty Images)
(AFP via Getty Images)

Mesut Ozil was officially unveiled as a Fenerbahce player on Wednesday, showing off the No.67 shift number in the process.

The 32-year-old this week finalised a move to the Turkish giants, after reaching an agreement with Arsenal to terminate his £350,000-a-week contract.

Ozil is understood to have forgoed around £7m to seal an Emirates Stadium exit, 10 months on from his last appearance for the club.

Ozil has worn No.10 at Arsenal since Jack Wilshere's exit in 2018, his preferred shirt number throughout his career.

However, at Fener, striker Mbwana Samatta wears the No10, so Ozil had to get a little inventive.

AP
AP

Why No.67? It could be because the post code of Ozil’s hometown of Zonguldak in Turkey begins with ‘67’.

It's also worth pointing out that Samatta's loan spell from Aston Villa will end in the summer, potentially freeing up the No10 for next season.

Ozil has reportedly taken a staggering £285,000-a-week pay cut to join Fenerbahce.

But, don't feel too sorry for him. The Mirror report that he has pocketed a £4.5m signing-on bonus in the first benefit of a heavily incentivised contract.

The report adds that Ozil will get £225,000 if Fenerbahce qualify for the Champions League - the top two in Turkey do - and £445,000 with league title win.