Advertisement
Ancelotti concedes his club should not have let Ozil leave. Alvaro Barrientos/AP/Press Association Images
Mistake

Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti admits he regrets Mesut Ozil sale

Arsenal signed the German international for £42.5million back in September.

REAL MADRID BOSS Carlo Ancelotti has admitted he regrets selling Mesut Ozil to Arsenal.

The Germany international headed to the Emirates Stadium on transfer deadline day in September for a £42.5million fee.

He has since become a key part of Arsenal’s squad, making 24 appearances this season – scoring five goals and assisting 10 more in that time.

Ozil’s departure was seen as vital to make room for Gareth Bale’s arrival at the Bernabeu, but Real have spent almost all of the season lagging behind Barcelona and Atletico Madrid in La Liga.

Sunday’s win at Espanyol moved them to within three points of the table-topping pair, who remain deadlocked after a 0-0 draw at the Vicente Calderon on Saturday.

Another key departure from the Bernabeu over the close-season was Gonzalo Higuain, who moved to Napoli.

Ancelotti does not see Higuain’s sale to be as damaging as Ozil’s, though.

“I think we made a mistake when we gave him (Ozil) the possibility to leave the club,” Ancelotti said.

“However, we have fantastic strikers and don’t need a back-up after Higuain’s departure.”

Ancelotti’s claims may dampen any hopes Arsenal have of loaning Real striker Alvaro Morata in January.

The 21-year-old is reportedly a target for Arsene Wenger, although Ancelotti is likely keen to keep his striking ranks well-stocked as they compete in La Liga, the Copa del Rey and UEFA Champions League.

Liverpool have quality for top-four finish – Suarez>

Clarence Seedorf confirms that he is the new AC Milan boss>

Your Voice
Readers Comments
11
    Submit a report
    Please help us understand how this comment violates our community guidelines.
    Thank you for the feedback
    Your feedback has been sent to our team for review.