Having sidelined the Gunners' star playmaker for much of his time at the club, Emery has now attempted to explain his rationale.
Unai Emery says Mesut Ozil did not have the necessary qualities for the pressing game he wanted to implement at Arsenal, despite the playmaker's "brilliant talent".
Emery lasted 18 months in charge at the Emirates and has been replaced by former Gunners captain Mikel Arteta, who signed a three-and-a-half-year deal on Friday.
Getting the best out of Ozil will be one of the key challenges for Arteta, who takes a top job for the first time after earning his reputation as a coaching talent as Pep Guardiola's assistant during two title-winning seasons at Manchester City.