Ozil: “I cried when I got on the plane to leave Real Madrid”

An interview with the Spanish “Marca” was granted by Mesut Oziljust days after announcing he was hanging up his football boots.

The former player of Schalke, Werder Bremen, Real Madrid and Arsenal referred to the decision to leave active action while also recalling the most important moments of his career.

In detail what he said:



On whether he considers himself a wizard: “I wouldn’t call me a magician, but I always tried to make moves or passes that you didn’t expect. That’s where the nickname came from. If the people who saw me in the stadium had fun like they have fun at a magician’s show, I’m happy for that.”.

About the start of his career: “When I was little I was often told that I wasn’t going to make it because I was too short and stuff like that. But I didn’t listen to them and believed in myself. When I signed my first contract with Schalke and played my first matches in the Bundesliga, I was overjoyed. Playing for Real Madrid and winning the World Cup was an incredible bonus for me. The best moment of my career was the 2014 World Cup”.

On his decision to retire from active duty: “Finally, I think I made the right decision. Fortunately I haven’t had many injuries in my career, but in the last few months I felt heavy and I couldn’t help my team as much as I once could.”.

What achievement is he most proud of: “Not for the goals, assists, wins and titles, but for having the opportunity to spread awareness and reach out to issues that are important to me. Being able to give to people who are less privileged, especially in Africa and South America. And that won’t stop now that my career is over.”.

On when he went to Real Madrid: “I had to decide between Real Madrid and Barcelona. I visited both, but Jose Mourinho made the difference. I saw their fantastic pitch and the trophies they have won. I shuddered. My visit to Barcelona was less exciting and the most disappointing thing was that Guardiola didn’t even come to meet me. I really liked Barcelona’s style of play, but after these meetings my decision was clear. I wanted to go to Real Madrid”.

For the derby with Barcelona: “When I was at Real, Clasicos were at their best. Mourinho vs. Pep, Ronaldo vs. Messi. When we beat Barcelona it was like having an orgasm. Losing 5-0 in 2011 was one of my worst nightmares. I have played in many derbies, but the Clasicos are the most special”.

On his departure from Real: “I was really sad when I left Real. I spent three wonderful years with the team. But at some point I was getting less and less minutes of participation and after a dispute between my father and agent with Mr. Perez, I had to leave. When I got on the plane to leave Madrid and realized it was all over, I cried.”.

For Arsenal: “My first years there were very good for me. We were playing in the Champions League and we had a very good team, with good characters and a fantastic manager. When Wenger left, you changed a lot for me. But I don’t want to add fuel to the fire again. I wish Arsenal fans to celebrate the championship this year”.