Arteta has revealed his decision to exclude Mesut Ozil from both Arsenal’s Premier League and Europa League squads has caused him significant hurt.

Ozil also showed his disappointment over social media last month at being exiled from the squad, as he blasted the club for showing a lack of loyalty.

“I’m hurt because I don’t like any player in my squad not to have the possibility to participate, or to compete, for me it is really sad because I don’t think anybody deserves that, “Arteta said in an interview with beIN SPORTS.

“But at the end of the day I’m sitting here to make decisions, to make the decisions that, in my opinion, are the best for the football club. And this is what I have to do,” he added.

Ozil, who is set to depart the Emirates when his contract expires next summer – hasn’t played a competitive game under his former team-mate since March.