It was reported on Monday that Jerry Quy, who had played the role of Gunnersaurus since its inception in 1993, was let go by Arsenal as they continue to make layoffs due to the impact the Covid-19 pandemic has had on the club’s finances, much to the outrage of their fans.

On Tuesday, Ozil – the club’s top earner on £350,000 ($455,000) per week – wrote on social media: “I was so sad that Jerry Quy aka our famous & loyal mascot Gunnersaurus and integral part of our club was being made redundant after 27 years. 

“As such, I’m offering to reimburse Arsenal with the full salary of our big green guy as long as I will be an Arsenal player so Jerry can continue his job that he loves so much.”

While many were quick to react in praising the No. 10 for his charitable act, others felt it was a thinly veiled attempt at getting back at Arsenal.

“Mind games player against the Arsenal board,” wrote one fan. “£350pkw to play chess.”

“This is so passive aggressive to the club. I love it,” added another.

Others felt Gunnersaurus may not have found himself in such a situation had Ozil agreed to a reduction in pay earlier in the year like many of his teammates.

“[It’s the least you can do from been paid for doing nothing, I’m sure if you had agreed to a pay cut he would still have his job,” one angry supporter responded.

Many responded positively to the gesture, though, including one Twitter user who wrote: “Some things are bigger than football and this is why I'll never be able to hate on this guy no matter what he does… what a class act Mesut.”

Another added: “Class from Ozil. Keep up the good work as always bro.”