DOHA - Former Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has defended Mesut Ozil after comments made by the Gunners midfielder condemning treatment of Uighur Muslims led to a stinging backlash in China.
However, the Frenchman added:"When you make a comment about your individual opinion, you accept the consequences of it." Arsenal have distanced themselves from Ozil's comments, but the Chinese state media warned that they would have"serious implications" for his club. On Tuesday, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo denounced China's reaction over the matter.
However, he continues to monitor goings-on at his old club very closely and admits to being saddened by Arsenal's current travails. "When I left the club was in a very strong financial position and they bought many players in between," said Wenger of the changes at the club.