Former Real Madrid and Arsenal midfielder Mesut Ozil has shed light on various issues in his career, including the vital role Jose Mourinho played in his career.
The German international announced his retirement from professional football earlier this week at age 34. During his 17-year professional career, Ozil enjoyed great success at Real Madrid, Arsenal and the German national team with whom he won the 2014 World Cup.
He was one of the best midfielders in the world in his prime and was wanted by both Real Madrid and Barcelona as a 22-year-old when he was still at Werder Bremen.
However, he chose to sign for Madrid rather than join their El Clasico rivals, Barca. He will go on to enjoy great success at the Bernabeu and was a crucial piece in a Madrid side that won La Liga with the highest points in history.
After announcing his retirement, Ozil sat down with the Spanish newspaper Marca to give a lowdown on some of the high points of his career, including his stance on the GOAT debate.
Speaking about his decision to sign for Madrid, the German revealed that he chose Los Blancos because of Mourinho and because Pep Guardiola refused to meet him one-on-one when he visited Barcelona training ground after the Catalan club indicated interest in signing him.
“The visit in Barcelona was less enthusiastic, and what was more disappointing is that Pep Guardiola didn’t bother to meet me,” he said.
“Before that trip, I really liked Barcelona’s style of football, and I could really imagine playing with them, but Madrid went all out.
“So Jose Mourinho was without a doubt the most important factor in my decision. After my visits, my decision was one hundred percent clear: I wanted to be a Madridista.”
“For me, José Mourinho is the best coach of this century,” the German continued.
“His tactical understanding is another thing, but also his way of speaking in the locker room, how he always protects his team in front of the media.”
On playing with Cristiano Ronaldo, Ozil revealed that he had a perfect relationship with the striker, who he believes is the best player of all time.
“It was a lot of fun playing with Cristiano Ronaldo, who for me is the best player of all time. We both understood each other very well on the pitch; it was perfect. I attended, and he scored. Giving passes to a player who almost never missed was a gift.”
On the intense rivalry between Madrid and Barcelona, Ozil said: “Nowadays El Clasico has lost intensity and emotion, I would say.
“Beating Barcelona at that time was like an orgasm because they were incredibly strong matches.”
After three seasons at Madrid, where he was the La La Liga leader in assists for three straight seasons (47 assists), Ozil signed for Arsenal. He was hailed as a massive signing for the Gunners and won four FA Cups in north London.
But according to the 34-year-old, leaving Madrid left him very sad.
“I was very sad when I left Madrid,” he said.
“I remember that at the airport. When the plane I was leaving Madrid took off, I started to cry.”
He finalised by revealing that he supports Arsenal in the Premier League title race and hopes Mikel Arteta’s side can lift the trophy for the fans.
“Now I am relaxed, and I wish the best to the Arsenal fans, who have always been very supportive of me,” he added.
“I would be happy for them if they could celebrate the Premier League title. They deserve it!’
