Mesut Ozil's agent Dr Erkut Sogut has hit back at former Arsenal defender Martin Keown for criticising his client while on punditry duty.

Keown blasted the Germany international for his performance during the Gunners' 1-0 defeat to Atletico Madrid in the Europa League, going as far as to call him unfit to wear the shirt.

Speaking to Goal.com, Sogut has now returned fire and launched a scathing attack on the pundit, claiming that his remarks about Ozil were motivated by jealousy.

"I think that Martin Keown feels that just because he used to play football, it gives him the right to attack the current generation of stars," the agent said. "Perhaps he just wants to remain relevant, or maybe it is due to jealousy?

"Is he envious about the money and exposure that current footballers have - I don't know.

"But to sit there and criticise, and criticise, and criticise, time and time again, it's getting a bit boring, in all honesty.

"He was an Arsenal reserve so left for Everton and Aston Villa because he wasn't good enough."

Ozil has been involved in 17 goals in 33 Premier League and Europa League outings this season.