<text>  Mesut Ozil has defended his decision to swap shirts with Geoffrey Kondogbia on the pitch during Arsenals 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 Wengers 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 Arsenals 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 Ozils move as he made his way to Arsenals dressing room. I dont like it at the end of the game, maybe. But Im not a big fan even then, said Scholes. You do it once youre in the tunnel or once youre in the dressing room, out of the way of everyone. At half-time, its 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 clubs 2-1 defeat to Manchester United in 2012. Ozil right is closed down by Monacos 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 . 