Ozil claims to be scapegoat for Arsenal failures

Cape Town - Arsenal midfielder Mesut Ozil feels he is the player who always comes under criticism when the Gunners under perform, irrespective of his record.

Arsene Wenger's side has disappointed both domestically and abroad so far, and Ozil is one of several stars on the club's books who haven't hit the heights of previous campaigns this time around.

With Wenger out of contract at the end of the season and the uncertainty that comes with potential managerial chances, the likes of Ozil and Alexis Sanchez have been linked with moves away from the Emirates Stadium.

The Germany international, though, claims he is always singled out for blame whenever things go wrong at the Premier League club.

"People know what I have achieved," he told Bild. "That I am a World Cup winner, played for Real Madrid, set up 20 goals last season [in all competitions].

"When the team's on a bad run, somebody needs to be singled out, sadly most of the time it's me."

Whilst admitting he is unlikely to rejoin Real Madrid - the club he left for Arsenal in 2013 - the 28-year-old remains a fan of Los Blancos, saying he will support them when they face Bayern Munich in the Champions League quarter-finals.

"Of course my heart beats for Real," Ozil continued. "I played there and still have many friends to this day in the team and in the club. Therefore I'm keeping my fingers crossed for Real, even against Bayern [Munich]."

With the Gunner's eliminated from this season's European competition by Bayern Munich with a 10-2 aggregate scoreline while also slipping down into sixth on the Premier League standings, the club are unlikely to claim any honours this season.

But Ozil, who is expected to leave the Emirates at the end of the season, says he remains hopeful of claiming Champions League honours with his current club.

He is expected to hold talks with Arsenal over his future before deciding whether or not to sign a contract extension.