Hoeness: 'Ozil's image is a lot better than he is'

The 66-year-old didn't spoke at length about Ozil, voicing his disbelief at Emery's decision to choose him as one of the five Arsenal captains.

Hoeness's comments will re-open the row which saw Ozil leave the German national team set-up following the World Cup.

Ozil claimed that he faced racism because of his Turkish roots, and that he was used as "political propoganda" after being snapped alongside Turkish president Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

At the World Cup, Ozil came up against heavy criticism for their exit in the group stages, which represented their worst World Cup performance in 80 years.

Hoeness went on to insist that Ozil should have issued an apology following the meeting with Erdogan.

"We would have been spared the whole theatre," Hoeness said, speaking to 'Sky Sports Germany'.

"Ozil should have been forced to make a statement. But leaving that without explanation was probably the biggest mistake ever."

"I've been watching the player for a long time and he's a well-marketed product whose image is a lot better than he is, which is the only big blame for me."

"Had [Germany coach Joachim] Low gone to Arsenal more often in London and looked at him properly, he probably would not have taken him for sporting reasons."

"It is a miracle that he is now captain at Arsenal."

The Bayern president's remarks come after Ozil was substituted by Emery as they took on Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.

The Gunners face West Ham at home on Sunday, and Ozil will be hoping to silence at least some of his critics.