Mesut Ozil's agent has told Goal that criticism from former Arsenal defender Martin Keown is down to jealousy or an attempt to remain relevant.
Keown said Mesut Ozil "wasn't fit to wear the shirt" during Arsenal's Europa League semifinal second leg defeat to Atletico Madrid on Thursday.
But Dr. Erkut Sogut hit back at Keown, who made over 300 appearances for the club across two spells and won three Premier Leagues and three FA Cups playing under Arsene Wenger.
"I think that Martin Keown feels that just because he used to play football, it gives him the right to attack the current generation of stars," Sogut said. "Perhaps he just wants to remain relevant, or maybe it is due to jealousy?
Ozil, a World Cup winner with Germany and La Liga winner with Real Madrid, signed a new three-year contract with Arsenal in January but will miss the rest of the season through injury.
Wenger subsequently defended Ozil's performance and questioned Keown's comments.
"I don't agree with that coming out now straight away," he said. "When you want to be listened to now, you always have to be extreme. But football is more complicated and complex than that."