:focal(1008x465:1010x463)/origin-imgresizer.eurosport.com/2018/05/04/2326991-48438590-2560-1440.jpg)
/origin-imgresizer.eurosport.com/2020/08/13/2863699-59019988-2560-1440.png)
Mesut Ozil sent a happy birthday message to his old Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger - in what could quite easily be interpreted in a passive-aggressive dig at his current boss Mikel Arteta.
Wenger turned 71 on Thursday, and the German midfielder wrote on social media: "Happy Birthday, Boss! Thanks for all your trust and support you've given me from my 1st until your last day @Arsenal FC. Without a doubt one of the greatest managers in the Premier League history - always respectful, fair & honest. Wishing you all the best!"
It comes a day after the out-of-favour star posted his feelings about being left out of the matchday squad, saying: "Upon signing my new contract in 2018, I pledged my loyalty and allegiance to the club that I love, Arsenal, and it saddens me that this has not been reciprocated."
Arteta responded later by saying: "It was just a football decision and my conscience is very calm because I have been really fair with him."