Mesut Ozil has defended his decision to swap shirts with Geoffrey Kondogbia on the pitch during Arsenal’s Champions League clash with Monaco on Tuesday evening. The Germany international faced criticism for trading jerseys with the French midfielder at half-time as Arsene Wenger’s side were eliminated from the Champions League despite a 2-0 win at Stade Louis II. ‘Geoffrey Kondogbia asked me for my shirt and I wanted to do him a favour,’ Ozil told Sky Sports Germany. Arsenal midfielder Mesut Ozil came under criticism for the shirt swap at half-time in Monaco on Tuesday . Ozil swapped shirts with Geoffrey Kondogbia at half-time of Arsenal's Champions League clash with Monaco . Ozil later defended his decision to swap shirts at the break after facing criticism . ITV pundit Paul Scholes (centre) is pictured alongside Andy Townsend (left) and Lee Dixon on Tuesday . ‘Maybe I should have given him the shirt in the tunnel. But seriously guys, is there nothing more important to discuss for a knockout game than a shirt swap?’ Former Manchester United midfielder Paul Scholes, who was working as a pundit for ITV, was unhappy with Ozil’s move as he made his way to Arsenal’s dressing room. ‘I don’t like it — at the end of the game, maybe. But I’m not a big fan even then,’ said Scholes. ‘You do it once you’re in the tunnel or once you’re in the dressing room, out of the way of everyone. At half-time, it’s not for me.’ The incident was not the first time an Arsenal player has come under fire for swapping shirts as Andre Santos faced criticism for trading jerseys with Robin van Persie at half-time during the club’s 2-1 defeat to Manchester United in 2012. Ozil (right) is closed down by Monaco's Jeremy Toulalan at the Stade Louis II on Tuesday . Former team-mates Andre Santos and Robin van Persie share a moment on the Old Trafford pitch in 2012 . Santos asks Holland international striker Van Persie for his shirt at half-time . Van Persie hands his former Arsenal team-mate his shirt at Old Trafford .
Mesut Ozil has defended his decision to swap shirts at half-time . Arsenal beat Monaco 2-0 on Tuesday but were knocked out of the UEFA Champions League on away goals . Ozil came under criticism for trading jerseys with Geoffrey Kondogbia . CLICK HERE for all the latest Arsenal news .