Santi Cazorla snubs Real Madrid President's claims about Mesut Ozil

Cazorla believes the duopoly of Barcelona and Real Madrid hurts La Liga

Arsenal midfielder Santi Cazorla has rubbished Real Madrid president Florentino Perez’s claims that Mesut Ozil left Los Blancos for Arsenal as he cannot handle the pressure at the Santiago Bernabeu.

Speaking to Sphera Sports, Cazorla said: “No, no, no. I don’t think there’s a bit of truth to that. He was at Real Madrid for three years and showed his quality. I don’t know why he left Madrid, but I am certain that the pressure was not the reason. Mesut has played in big games and has always given his all. I think he left more for personal reasons, not pressure.”

The 28-year-old Spanish international believes that the domination of Barcelona and Real Madrid in the La Liga is one of the prime reasons for the home-grown players to leave Spain, in an attempt to join clubs that have realistic hopes of winning trophies.

He said: “Many players want to try their luck outside of Spain because it gets montonous with just Barca and Real Madrid. Outside of Spain there are more opportunities to win titles, in Spain, with the duopoly, there isn’t. In addition, there are economic problems the country is facing.”

With as many as 31 Spanish players currently playing in the English Premier League, Cazorla conceded that the quality of the Spanish league is on a downward curve.

“I don’t think La Liga has taken a step back, but it’s also true that great players like Negredo, Soldado, Navas, who are very important players in the league, have all left to the English Premier League and I think in that regard La Liga has lowered it’s quality.”