Arsenal legend Ian Wright has slammed Mesut Ozil’s response to criticism aimed at him, saying the German’s response was ‘laughable’.

The 28-year-old, who cost Arsenal around £43m when he joined in 2013 for a then club record fee from Real Madrid, is out of contract at the end of the season and looks likely to leave the club in January for a small fee or for free next summer.

The German international posted a lengthy Facebook message to hit back at former Arsenal players such as Wright who have been critical of his impact since arriving at the Emirates Stadium. The Arsenal odds of winning silverware have taken a severe hit as a result of their poor start this season, and plenty of former Arsenal stars have hit out at Ozil especially, questioning the German’s performances. Fans have also found themselves frustrated at the player’s attitude.

Ozil asked the former Gunners to support the team in an effort to help improve results this season, instead of battering them about their performances and contribution. However, Wright has rejected the advice and claimed that his attempt to answer his critics was “laughable”.

Wright said: “Sign a contract, if you feel that strongly about people criticising the team because you’re somebody who is integral to Arsenal’s success,” Wright said on BBC Radio 5 Live.

“You’re not signing a deal and you’re probably going to continue to hide behind the fact that [Alexis] Sanchez is the one that everybody’s going to say, ‘Is he going to go?’.”

“Why haven’t you signed yet? That’s what I would say to you. If you feel that strongly, why haven’t you signed yet?”

“A player that is not actually performing on the pitch is coming out, calling people out and he’s not signing a contract. It’s laughable.”

“We [former players] all feel the same because we’re all passionate and we all love the club,” Wright added. “What are we supposed to say? That they’re unbelievable, in the boardroom, the boss, and the way they’re playing? Because they’re not. I can’t understand it.”

“We’re not talking about former players criticising a team that’s charging up the league and winning leagues.”

“Yes, we’ve won the FA Cup and when they’ve done that, they’ve rightfully been praised for that. But we’re talking about a team that’s under-performing. Not just the team, people in the boardroom, the manager with his decisions, everybody.”