Mesut Özil ( german pronunciation : [ ˈmeːzut ˈøːzil ], turkish : [ meˈsut œˈzil ] ; born 15 October 1988 ) is a german professional football player who plays as an attacking midfielder for Süper Lig club Fenerbahçe. Özil is known for his technical skills, creativity, passing skills, and sight. [ 2 ] He can besides play as a wide midfielder. Born and raised in Gelsenkirchen, Özil began his senior baseball club career play for hometown cabaret Schalke 04, before signing with Werder Bremen in 2008, aged 19. After winning the DFB-Pokal in his first season, his individual performances led to a move to Real Madrid in 2010. [ 3 ] There, he helped the cabaret win a La Liga style, and ranked first gear in league assists for three neat seasons. [ 4 ] In 2013, Özil was the subject of a then-club commemorate association football transportation when he signed for Arsenal in a transfer worth up to £42.5 million ( €50 million ), becoming the most expensive German musician always at the time. In England, he won three FA Cups and helped end Arsenal ‘s nine-year trophy drought, while recording the second gear most assists ever ( 19 ) in a Premier League season. In 2021, Özil joined Fenerbahçe on a rid transfer. [ 5 ]
Reading: Mesut Özil
A german external, Özil holds the record for the most german Player of the year awards ( 5 ). He made his senior introduction for the Germany national team in 2009 at senesce 20, and appeared in five major tournaments. He was the top aid provider at the 2010 FIFA World Cup and UEFA Euro 2012, where he helped Germany doubly reach the semi-final. Özil helped Germany win the 2014 FIFA World Cup, but retired from international competition in 2018, alleging discrimination and disrespect by the German Football Association ( DFB ) and the german media .
Club career
early liveliness
Mesut Özil [ 6 ] was born on 15 October 1988 [ 7 ] in Gelsenkirchen, North Rhine-Westphalia. [ 8 ] His grandfather moved as a Gastarbeiter from Zonguldak, Turkey to Germany. [ 9 ] He played, at youth charge, for assorted clubs in Gelsenkirchen during 1995~2000, before a five-year stretch for Rot-Weiss Essen. [ citation needed ]
Schalke 04
In 2005, Özil moved to the youth organization of Schalke 04. He was deployed a midfielder and tire 17 as his police squad number, after starting as a playmaker and central attacking midfielder in the stead of the suspended Lincoln in DFL-Ligapokal matches against Bayer Leverkusen and Bayern Munich. [ 10 ] Upon making the foremost team at Schalke, he was described as “ the adjacent big thing ”. however, soon after declining an offer from Schalke 04, claiming that a annually wage of €1.5 million would not be adequate, he finally fell out with clubhouse management and moved on to Werder Bremen in January 2008. [ 11 ] This led to Mirko Slomka, the then-Schalke coach, claiming that Özil would not play another catch for Schalke. [ 12 ]
Werder Bremen
On 31 January 2008, Özil moved to Werder Bremen for a report fee of €5 million, signing a narrow with the german club until 30 June 2011. other than Werder Bremen, Hannover 96 and VfB Stuttgart were reportedly concern ampere well in binding Özil to their respective clubs, however did not want to pay such a high remove fee. [ 13 ] After transferring to Werder Bremen, Özil got the jersey number 11. On 26 April 2008 ( 30th match day ) Özil scored the green light goal in the 33rd hour against Karlsruher SC, to put his team up 2–1. This was Özil ‘s first Bundesliga goal. He played in twelve games throughout the second half of the season, six times playing in the starting formation, becoming second gear with Werder Bremen in the Bundesliga at the end of the 2007–08 season. [ citation needed ] Although Bremen failed to get going in their 2008–09 Bundesliga season, finally finishing a disappoint tenth, Özil managed to make a significant impact in most games and came away with a goodly three goals and 15 assists that highlighted his attack credentials. [ 14 ] He helped lead the north german club to the 2009 DFB-Pokal with the winning finish in a 1–0 victory over Bayer Leverkusen in Berlin. [ 15 ] He besides excelled in Europe where he led Werder Bremen to the final of the last ever UEFA Cup, losing out to Shakhtar Donetsk of Ukraine. [ 14 ] In the 2009–10 season, Özil became the key playmaker of Werder Bremen, stepping into the shoes of brazilian Diego who had left for Juventus, was named the best actor of the first leg of the 2009 Bundesliga season. [ 16 ] On 1 May 2010, the 33rd match day, Özil played his hundredth Bundesliga game, scoring the 1–0 conduct in a 2–0 winnings against his erstwhile club Schalke. Özil went on and led Werder Bremen to become third in the league and again to the DFB-Pokal final, however this time it was lost against Bayern Munich by 0–4. In his moment season, Bremen finished a respectable one-third, with Özil contributing 9 goals and 17 assists in 31 league fastness appearances. During the 2009–10 temper, Özil was besides declared as the “ best player of the first half of the temper ”. [ 17 ]
real Madrid
2010–11 : introduction season, european assist leader
due to his performances in the 2010 FIFA World Cup, Özil ensured his identify among Europe ‘s top young talents. He was sought by teams like Barcelona, Arsenal and Real Madrid. english striker Wayne Rooney was one of the many admirers Özil had garnered with his performances in the World Cup, and had even asked Manchester United coach Sir Alex Ferguson to sign the german playmaker. [ 18 ] There were reports claiming that a distribute was struck for a transfer to Barcelona, but Werder Bremen denied the reports and on 17 August 2010, the team announced that they had reached an agreement with Real Madrid for Özil ‘s transfer. [ 19 ] The transfer tip is believed to have been in the region of €15 million. [ 20 ] Upon signing, Özil said, “ When the put up came in to join Real Madrid, there is no decision to make. Let ‘s be honest – you do n’t refuse this club. I was in no rush to leave Werder Bremen, but this is one baseball club you say yes to. They are an institution, a cabaret with a antic history, stadium and police squad full of first players. The prospect of performing at the Bernabéu is then amazing you jump straight in. ” [ 21 ] Özil made his debut on 22 August in a friendly match against Hércules, which Real Madrid won 3–1. [ 22 ] His new jersey numbers were changed frequently before the season started. He was given the number 26 in the pre-season and 19 for his debut. But following the transfer of Rafael van der Vaart to Tottenham Hotspur, he was given the vacant 23. [ citation needed ] Özil was brought in to back up teammate Kaká, but due to his surgery, Özil obtained a begin character. He then made his La Liga introduction for real Madrid as a alternate for Ángel Di María in the 62nd minute against Mallorca, which Real Madrid drew 0–0. [ 23 ]
He made his temper introduction in the Champions League on 15 September. He got his beginning serve with real Madrid in the 74th minute against Ajax after he crossed for a Gonzalo Higuaín goal. [ 24 ] He walked off the pitch as a second-half stand-in to standing ovations in his foremost two games as a starter at the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium. His first goal came in a league match against Deportivo de La Coruña on 3 October 2010, in a 6–1 victory. [ 25 ] Özil ‘s first Champions League goal with veridical came in the 14th minute against Milan on 19 October 2010. [ 26 ] On 22 December, he made his debut in the Copa del Rey, scoring once in an 8–0 victory over Levante. [ 27 ] He finished the season with 25 assists, the highest for any player in any major european contest that season. Özil ‘s performances for veridical Madrid during his inaugural season were praised by media, fans and players. [ 28 ] [ 29 ]
2011–12 : La Liga winnings
Özil began wearing the issue 10 shirt for real Madrid in 2011–12, signalling director José Mourinho ‘s captive to use the german international as his independent playmaker. [ 30 ] On 14 August 2011, Özil scored his first finish against Barcelona in El Clásico in the first leg of the 2011 Supercopa de España. [ 31 ] On 17 August 2011, he was sent off in the last minute of the second leg of the 2011 Supercopa after an affray with Barça forward David Villa. [ 32 ] Özil expressed his desire to end his football days at the cabaret in an interview with german magazine kicker, saying, “ I ‘d like to end my career at Real Madrid. I know it will be unmanageable because I have many more years ahead of me and many younger and good players will besides be away there, but I want to be part of that future. I know what I ‘m capable of, and I ‘m convinced, I ‘ll stay at Real Madrid many years. ” [ 33 ] Özil was on the short-list of the FIFA Ballon d’Or prize. [ 34 ]
Özil ‘s boots on display at the Santiago Bernabéu museum He finished atop the La Liga assists chart, with 17 assists. On 2 May 2012, he helped Real Madrid to clinch a record 32nd La Liga style as he assisted Real ‘s first finish and scored the second base goal against Bilbao, which Real Madrid late won by 3–0. Eleven days late, Özil scored two goals in the final examination game of the unconstipated season against Mallorca, once again consolidating his excellent performance with the club. The acquire made Real the first base cabaret in the spanish lead flight to ever reach 100 points in a individual temper. [ 35 ] His very well imprint with real Madrid and German national team saw him earn nomination for UEFA Best Player in Europe Award, in which he finished tenth, being the youngest actor to feature in the crown 10. [ 36 ]
2012–13 : third straight La Liga assist drawing card
With arrival of Luka Modrić before the start of the season, some in the media claimed Özil was infelicitous at Real Madrid, but he late rejected such lecture and claimed he was felicitous at the club and looking forward to competing for his set. [ 37 ] After the start of the season, he added the Supercopa de España style to his respect. In league play, he provided an crucial assist to Cristiano Ronaldo who equalised in a 2–2 draw against Barcelona at Camp Nou. [ 38 ] On 6 November, Özil scored a crucial 89th-minute free-kick to rescue a absorb for Real Madrid and secure a point against Borussia Dortmund. [ 39 ] He continued his ticket shape in the league as he scored another brace against Real Valladolid to rescue Real Madrid in a 3–2 succeed. [ 40 ] He then went on to finish the season with 29 assists, although real number Madrid did not win any silverware except for the Supercopa de España, Özil ‘s performance was praised. At the end of the season, Özil had 26 assists, more than any other actor in the leagues. [ citation needed ]
arsenal
Özil taking a unblock kick for Arsenal in 2013 On 2 September 2013, Özil agreed to join english side Arsenal. [ 41 ] Both the tip paid for Özil american samoa good as the contract duration were undisclosed, but they are believed to be around £42.5 million ( €50 million ) for a five-year softwood. [ 42 ] The transfer makes him the most expensive german football player of all time. [ 43 ] Özil was assigned the count 11 shirt and the centre-attacking midfield function by the team. [ 44 ] Contract leaks in January 2016, however, have revealed that the record fee was actually broken down to £37.4 million ( €44 million ) with a far £5.1 million ( €6 million ) split evenly over six years from July 2014, submit to Champions League reservation. A buy-back option besides allows Real Madrid a 48-hour first option on Özil should Arsenal agree a sale for the playmaker to another spanish club. [ 45 ] Özil said of the transfer, “ At the weekend, I was certain I would stay at very Madrid but afterwards I realised I did not have the faith from the passenger car or the bosses. I am a musician who needs this religion and that is what I have felt from Arsenal, which is why I have joined. ” [ 46 ] In Özil ‘s foremost crush conference, he said : “ I would have come here for loose, that would n’t have been a trouble. ” Özil additionally stated that Arsène Wenger played an important role in his decision : “ When I spoke to Arsène Wenger on the phone, he was full moon of deference, and as a player, I need that. ” [ 47 ] several Real Madrid players were dissatisfied with Özil leaving the cabaret, including Cristiano Ronaldo, who said, “ He was the player who best knew my moves in front of goal … I ‘m angry about Özil entrust. ” [ 48 ]
2013–14 : Ending the trophy drought
Özil playing for Arsenal in 2013 Özil made his debut for Arsenal in their league game away to Sunderland on 14 September 2013. He assisted Olivier Giroud ‘s goal in the 11th minute of the match as they went on to win 3–1. [ 49 ] Three days after that, he made his Champions League introduction for Arsenal against Marseille. [ 50 ] Just over three weeks after making his debut for Arsenal, he made his home debut against Stoke City in a 3–1 victory. He was involved in all three goals, with two assists and a unblock kick which was saved but fell into Aaron Ramsey ‘s path. [ 51 ] He scored his first gear finish for Arsenal, a brilliantly controlled finish from a Ramsey cross, in a 2–0 winnings against Napoli in the Champions League. [ 52 ] On 19 October, he scored his first gear two Premier League goals during the 4–1 home win against Norwich City. [ 53 ] Özil played in all six of Arsenal ‘s games in November. The german playmaker provided the crabbed for Jack Wilshere ‘s second goal against Marseille and gave far assists for Aaron Ramsey and Mathieu Flamini in the 3–0 win over Cardiff City. Özil missed the prospect to score his one-fourth Arsenal finish when he saw his punishment in the succeed over Marseille saved by Steve Mandanda. [ 47 ] In October, Özil was again short-listed for the FIFA Ballon d’Or award, along with former teammate Cristiano Ronaldo. [ 54 ] Özil was besides featured on the UEFA Team of the Year. Özil began December with two goals in angstrom many games against Hull City and Everton. A minor shoulder injury forced him out of the final game of December in a win against Newcastle United. After the 6–3 kill at Manchester City in which he made another serve, Özil was involved in an affray with teammate Per Mertesacker, who was angry with Özil ‘s failure to thank the travel supporters, an omission for which he subsequently apologised via Facebook. [ 55 ] [ 56 ]
Özil and Olivier Giroud before kick-off for Arsenal in 2013 Özil started four of Arsenal ‘s six games in January. The playmaker missed Arsenal ‘s victory over Cardiff City on New Year ‘s Day with a shoulder wound before returning to make a late appearance from the bench against Tottenham Hotspur in the FA Cup. The 25-year-old produced a slide-rule travel by for Lukas Podolski to score his first base goal against Coventry City and provided the ball for Santi Cazorla ‘s finish against Southampton at the end of the calendar month to take his help tally to 10. [ 47 ] February was a difficult month for Özil, as he struggled to reach the heights he showed in his beginning few months at the club. The german playmaker pulled off a brilliant piece of skill to win a penalty against Bayern Munich in the Champions League smasher phase, but his spot-kick was saved by Manuel Neuer. Speaking before the draw with Manchester United, Arsène Wenger spoke about Özil, saying, “ He has done well, he is adapting deoxyadenosine monophosphate well to the Premier League – we have seen it before [ that it takes time ]. I would n’t like to put excessively much pressure on him because he has been a top-class musician until now. He did n’t have the best of games [ at Liverpool ] ( a 5–1 loss, where Özil was the center of care due to a bad performance ) but that can happen. He works very arduous to adapt to the physical horizontal surface of the Premier League and for me he is an exceptional player. ” [ 47 ] On 8 March, Özil scored his first goal of 2014 in a 4–1 FA Cup quarter-final acquire over Everton. [ 57 ] Özil was showing signs of old imprint and started in Arsenal ‘s moment leg Champions League concluding 16 clash with Bayern Munich. [ 58 ] He was substituted at half-time, and the reason behind it was that Özil had suffered a hamstring injury and will face a calendar month out, missing key fixtures against Chelsea and Manchester City. [ 59 ] On 20 April, Özil made an moment impact with a lively display against Hull when he returned to the Arsenal team in a 3–0 succeed. [ 60 ] [ 61 ] He then returned to goalscoring mannequin with Arsenal ‘s irregular in their 3–0 acquire over Newcastle United, and then assisted Olivier Giroud ‘s header. [ 62 ] Manager Wenger praised Özil ‘s impact upon his return, saying, “ Mesut Özil is very authoritative for the team. He ‘s been missed while he ‘s been injured. We ‘ve missed some identical crucial players in an important period of the season. We ‘re truly pleased to have people like him back in the team and perform at the lead level because that ‘s what we need. ” [ 63 ] Özil played all three of Arsenal ‘s remaining fixtures during the last month of his debut season in England. The german playmaker came off at half-time in extra-time of Arsenal ‘s 2014 FA Cup Final victory over Hull at Wembley Stadium. [ 64 ] Speaking before the FA Cup concluding, Per Mertesacker praised his compatriot ‘s impact on the side during his first season in England. “ You could see from the begin that he is one of the best players in Europe ”, said Mertesacker. “ His contributions and assists are critical for any clubhouse so we are glad to have him back. ” [ 65 ] Özil completed his maiden over season at Arsenal with 13 assists and seven goals in all competitions spanning a course of 40 games. [ 66 ]
2014–15 : second FA Cup victory
Özil play for Arsenal in 2015 Özil returned to club train in the center of August after participating in Germany ‘s 2014 FIFA World Cup win in Brazil. On 23 August, Özil made his beginning appearance of the season in a 2–2 draw with Everton at Goodison Park. On 27 August, he played a part in Alexis Sánchez ‘s winning finish in the second leg of the Champions League qualification play-off against Beşiktaş, playing a one-two with Jack Wilshere in the build-up to the goal. [ 67 ] On 20 September, Özil opened the score and assisted Danny Welbeck in a 3–0 victory against Aston Villa at Villa Park. Özil featured in the three following games and started in Arsenal ‘s Champions League group phase victory against Galatasaray, providing an aid for Alexis Sánchez in a 4–1 gain. [ 68 ] On 8 October, the DFB declared that Özil would be sidelined for between 10 and 12 weeks with a left stifle injury obtained during a 2–0 defeat at Chelsea three days prior to the international break. The prognosis would rule him out of the remainder of Arsenal ‘s Champions League group matches, american samoa well as four international fixtures. [ 69 ] On 11 January 2015, Özil made his beginning appearance in three months as a 73rd-minute alternate in a 3–0 gain against Stoke City. [ 70 ] He scored on his reelect to the starting line-up in Arsenal ‘s 3–2 winnings at Brighton & Hove Albion in the fourth orotund of the FA Cup on 25 January, latching onto a travel by from Tomáš Rosický before scoring Arsenal ‘s moment goal. [ 71 ] In his first Premier League beginning of the year, Özil scored once and provided an assist for Olivier Giroud as Arsenal pulse Aston Villa 5–0 at home on 1 February. [ 72 ] The follow week, Özil scored the open goal in the Gunners ‘ 2–1 North London bowler hat defeat to Tottenham at White Hart Lane. [ 73 ] He continued his good form by creating both goals in a 2–1 victory over Leicester City on 10 February. [ 74 ] He besides grabbed a copulate of assists two weeks later, in a 2–0 victory against Everton. [ 75 ] On 4 April, he scored the second goal for his team in a 4–1 win over Liverpool, which would be his concluding goal of the season. [ 76 ] After a 3–1 acquire over Hull, coach Arsène Wenger praised him by saying, “ Overall his influence was identical potent. ” [ 77 ] Özil followed up this goal with two assists for Alexis Sánchez in a 2–1 win against Reading in the 2014–15 FA Cup semi-final on 18 April. [ 78 ] Özil started in the 2015 FA Cup Final as Arsenal beat Aston Villa in a control 4–0 victory on 30 May, concluding his second season at Arsenal with 5 goals and 9 assists, in 33 appearances across all competitions, and back-to-back FA Cups. [ 79 ] [ 80 ]
2015–16 : Premier League serve leader
Özil play for Arsenal in 2015 After scoring during a pre-season game against Lyon, Özil received praise from his coach, with Wenger calling for him to have his best season even in Arsenal color. [ 81 ] On 2 August 2015, Özil started for Arsenal in the 2015 FA Community Shield, where the Gunners beat league champions Chelsea 1–0 at Wembley Stadium. A week late, he made his foremost appearance of the Premier League temper in Arsenal ‘s 2–0 open day frustration to West Ham United. [ 82 ] Özil scored his first goal of the 2015–16 season in a 3–0 home victory over Manchester United on 4 October. He had earlier assisted Alexis Sánchez to give the Gunners the lead in the sixth moment of the match. [ 83 ] Özil was named man of the match in a 3–0 win at Watford ‘s Vicarage Road on 17 October, supplying assists for Sánchez and Olivier Giroud. [ 84 ] [ 85 ] On 20 October, Özil scored his first Champions League goal of the season in Arsenal ‘s 2–0 group stage home win over Bayern Munich. [ 86 ] He set a new Premier League commemorate being the first musician to assist in six consecutive matches when setting up Kieran Gibbs ‘ for 1–1 in the bowler hat versus Tottenham on 8 November 2015. [ 87 ] He then extended that run to seven straight games with an help against West Bromwich Albion, before scoring his second Champions League goal of the season in a three-goal victory at home to Dinamo Zagreb. [ 88 ] He then scored for the second game in a quarrel when he clipped in the opener in a 1–1 attract at Norwich. [ 89 ] Özil continued his run of good form by providing four assists in the future three games, against Aston Villa, Manchester City and Sunderland, helping his team win all three matches. On 28 December 2015, Özil assisted the first goal and scored the second in a 2–0 succeed against AFC Bournemouth, creating nine scoring chances in total – the most in a single Premier League game by any player during the temper. [ 90 ] [ 91 ] On 24 January 2016, Özil played his hundredth game for the Gunners in a 1–0 home get the better of against Chelsea in the Premier League. [ 92 ] The following Premier League bet on against Southampton at family on 2 February saw Özil creating 10 chances – beating the previous record, 9 created and held by him during the season. [ 93 ] This proved in bootless, however, as the match ended 0–0 with the Gunners slumping into one-fourth as they failed to score in three consecutive Premier League games. [ 94 ] He then ended the Gunners ‘ barren goal-scoring run in the Premier League with the opener against Bournemouth in a 2–0 away win on 7 February. [ 95 ] Özil delivered his seventeenth help in the Premier League from a release kick for Danny Welbeck to head in the achiever deep into arrest clock time as Arsenal came from behind to beat league leaders Leicester City 2–1 on 14 February. [ 96 ] After a 2–0 home get the better of to Barcelona in the Champions League, Özil scored and assisted in a 3–2 frustration at Old Trafford to Manchester United as the Gunners lost far prime in the title subspecies. [ 97 ] Özil started in the 2–1 Watford in the FA Cup, where he set up Danny Welbeck for Arsenal ‘s consolation goal with a backheel serve, and three days belated in a 3–1 frustration to Barcelona in the Champions League as Arsenal crashed out in consecutive cup competitions in March. [ 98 ] Özil assisted Olivier Giroud ‘s second goal in Arsenal ‘s last Premier League equal of the season against Aston Villa in a 4–0 dwelling victory as the Gunners finished second ahead of fierce rivals, Tottenham Hotspur. That was Özil ‘s 19th assist of the season in the league, a criminal record merely beaten by Thierry Henry with 20 in 2002–03 in Premier League history. [ 99 ] Özil ended his third gear season at Arsenal with 8 goals and 20 assists in all club competitions, which won him the Arsenal Player of the Season award. [ 100 ] [ 101 ]
2016–17 : third base FA Cup gain
Özil missed Arsenal ‘s open day frustration to Liverpool, after his excursions at UEFA Euro 2016 mean he was not match-fit. however, he started his first bet on of the fresh season for his club in a 1–3 away win at Watford on 28 August, in which he scored his first goal of the campaign, heading in an Alexis Sánchez cross to score Arsenal ‘s third of the afternoon. [ 102 ] His second arrived good under a calendar month late, netting a controlled volley in a 3–0 home winnings against Chelsea. [ 103 ] On 15 October, Özil again scored a volley at home, as he recorded the decider in a tense 3–2 win against Swansea. [ 104 ] Four days subsequently, in a Champions League home game against Ludogorets Razgrad, Özil assisted Theo Walcott ‘s goal, and scored his first base professional career hat-trick, which was concluded after again volleying as Arsenal went on to win 6–0. [ 105 ] On 29 October, he registered his first league assist of the season, after Giroud latched onto a corner to score the club ‘s third base in a 1–4 win against Sunderland. [ 106 ] For his performances, he was awarded the club ‘s Player of the Month award for the month of October. [ citation needed ] Özil began November by recording his third base assist, which came in the North London bowler hat, and was given after his free gripe was turned into the net by opposing defender Kevin Wimmer. [ 107 ] Özil would then record Arsenal ‘s Goal of the Season on 19 October, as he scored a remarkable solo winner in a brash 2–3 away win against Ludogorets, which capped a resilient rejoinder after Arsenal were down by two goals in the opening 15 minutes. [ 108 ] [ 109 ] He scored the undoer in a 1–5 away win against West Ham United on 3 December, and assisted the fourth goal. He repeated his set-up exploits three days subsequently in a Champions League acquire against Basel, feeding Iwobi from the leave for the fourthly. [ 110 ] He then scored a header in a win against Stoke City a workweek late, before rounding out the class, Özil assisted the entirely goal in a home victory against West Brom on 26 December. [ 111 ] He registered his first help of 2017 after placing his corner directly in the path of teammate Mustafi, who headed by Tom Heaton in a 2–1 win against Burnley. [ 112 ] Despite an impressive first gear one-half to the campaign, Özil would then struggle with brawny problems, and was absent for a count of Arsenal ‘s games. [ citation needed ] He returned to fitness to star in a 2–2 draw against Manchester City on 2 April, where he assisted the counterweight. [ 113 ] He would besides break his breaking a four-month cold scoreless spell after placing a control polish in a 3–0 win against West Ham United three days belated, while he besides assisted the irregular. [ 114 ] He then scored another volley good under two weeks late, in a gain against Middlesbrough. [ 115 ] He then recorded his one-ninth help on 10 May, where he set up Sánchez ‘s undoer. [ 116 ] In the last three league gameweeks, he scored his final goal of the temper against Stoke City, [ 117 ] while his concluding two assists arrived in the follow two weeks, against both Sunderland and Everton. [ 118 ] [ 119 ] Despite the golf club missing out on the league and Champions League qualification, Özil concluded his fourth season at the club with 12 goals and 13 assists in 44 appearances across all competitions, and featured heavily as he won the 2017 FA Cup. [ citation needed ]
2017–19 : contract extension, UEFA Europa League runner-up
Özil playing for Arsenal in 2018 Özil entered the 2017–18 season in the concluding year of his condense, and struggled initially, featuring sparsely with stifle excitement. He recorded a goal and an help in a 5–2 victory over Everton on 22 October, and recorded another serve a week later, against Swansea City. [ 120 ] [ 121 ] His operation in the North London Derby on 18 November was heavily praised, after creating the first gear finish. [ 122 ] He then scored and assisted doubly in a 5–0 victory over Huddersfield to close out November, and scored in back-to-back weeks to close out December, first in a victory against West Ham, and then a sparkle scooped finish in a 3–3 describe against Liverpool. [ 123 ] [ 124 ] After entering January with six months remaining on his abridge, which would allow him to engage in pre-contract negotiations with any cabaret, Özil assisted in a acquire over Crystal Palace, and besides assisted in a loss in the reverse repair against Swansea City on 30 January. [ 125 ] [ 126 ] A day late, he re-signed with the golf club on a three-year extension, keeping him contracted until 2021. [ 127 ] It was besides reported his wage more than doubled to £350,000 per week, making him the highest-paid player in Arsenal ‘s history. [ 128 ] [ 129 ] [ 130 ]
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On 15 February, Özil scored in the first knockout round of the Europa League, netting sedately against Östersund. [ 131 ] He then gained a brace of assists in the adjacent round, against Milan. [ 132 ] On 11 March, he recorded his fiftieth Premier League aid in a 3–0 winnings over Watford. In doing so, he became the fastest actor to reach 50 assists in the competition, in his 141st appearance, breaking the read previously held by Eric Cantona. [ 133 ] He continued his exploits in the Europa League by recording a hat-trick of assists in a victory against CSKA Moscow on 5 April. [ 134 ] Persistent injuries limited his affair in the baseball club ‘s final games of the season, however, Özil ended his fifth season at Arsenal with 5 goals and 13 assists in 35 appearances, and featured heavily in the club ‘s belated run and appearance in the 2018 EFL Cup Final. [ citation needed ] Following the departure of Jack Wilshere, Özil returned to wearing the number 10, for the 2018–19 season. [ 135 ] He was besides named one of Arsenal ‘s vice-captains. [ 136 ] Özil scored his first base goal of the season in Arsenal ‘s 2–1 aside win over Newcastle on 15 September, [ 137 ] and netted again a week late in a 4–2 victory in the UEFA Europa League over Vorskla Poltava. [ 138 ] He scored his third goal of the season in a victory over Watford on 28 September. [ 139 ] On 22 October, he captained Arsenal for the foremost time in a 3–1 comeback acquire over Leicester City. Özil was involved in all three goals, scoring the first, and adding two assists in a man-of-the-match performance. [ 140 ] His involvement in the first-team began to falter due to a mix of injuries and a pickpocket in form, but he returned to assist the merely goal in a victory in the Europa League against Qarabag on 12 December. [ 141 ] Özil was besides publicly left out of the first team police squad on a few occasions, leading to speculation he could depart Arsenal in the January transportation window. [ 142 ] [ 143 ] however, no move materialised, and his form continued to suffer, with rumours besides circulating of Özil having a fracture relationship with head coach Unai Emery, who publicly questioned the player ‘s motivation. [ 144 ] [ 145 ] [ 146 ] He returned to goalscoring imprint in a 5–1 family victory against Bournemouth, where he besides registered an aid, on 27 February, [ 147 ] while his last statistical contribution came in the human body of a goal in a loss against Crystal Palace in April. [ 148 ] As a result, he registered one of his worst statistical campaigns as an Arsenal player, netting six goals and providing four assists. [ citation needed ] Despite this, Özil featured in the 2019 UEFA Europa League Final, where, after Arsenal ‘s get the better of, Özil reportedly vocalised his frustration with Emery in front of his teammates, [ 149 ] and continued to be linked with a move aside from north London. [ 150 ]
2019–21 : limited gametime, team exception
Özil was given extra time off to start the 2019–20 season, after being the victim of an undertake robbery. He made his season debut on 15 September, in a 2–2 draw against Watford. [ 151 ] He was controversially left out of the following Premier League games against Aston Villa and Manchester United, and registered his second base appearance of the season in an EFL Cup link against Nottingham Forest, where he again failed to complete 90 minutes. [ 152 ] Özil made his one-third appearance of the season in an EFL Cup tie frustration against Liverpool in October. [ 153 ] He registered his beginning assist against Liverpool in the same competition at the conclusion of October, [ 154 ] and subsequently returning to the league starting batting order for November ; he registered his inaugural league assist in a 2–1 home defeat to Brighton & Hove Albion in December. Özil only completed 90 minutes once more in the league for the remainder of the campaign, scoring his inaugural finish of the season in a 4–0 victory over Newcastle United on 16 February 2020. [ 155 ] He registered his second league serve against West Ham United on 7 March, [ 156 ] but did not have for the club again following the resumption of competitive football after its suspension due to the COVID-19 pandemic. [ 157 ] As a result, Özil registered his worst statistical temper, a well making the lowest number of appearances in a political campaign since the 2007–08 season. It was besides reported Özil refused a voluntary 12.5 % paycut amid the pandemic, doing sol as the club “ [ lacked ] data and [ left ] many questions unanswered ” over their use of these wages. [ 158 ] Özil was left out of the match-day squads for the first matches of the 2020–21 season and was not included in the club ‘s police squad for the Europa League group stage. [ 159 ] It was besides former confirmed that Özil was omitted from Arsenal ‘s 25-man Premier League police squad, [ 160 ] leaving him eligible merely to play for Arsenal ‘s U-23 squad. [ 161 ] Özil released a statement on Twitter in which he said that he was “ deeply disappoint ” but will “ continue fighting for [ his ] find ”. [ 162 ] Some had suggested Özil ‘s omission from the team was related to his criticism of the treatment of Uyghur Muslims in China, [ 163 ] [ 164 ] from which Arsenal publicly distanced themselves. [ 165 ] [ 166 ]
Fenerbahçe
2020–22 : arrival in Turkey
On 27 January 2021, Özil moved to Turkish golf club Fenerbahçe. [ 167 ] He joined as a free agent after his contract with Arsenal was terminated six months prematurely, with the actor reportedly foregoing part of the £7 million ( €7.9 million ) owed to him by Arsenal. [ 5 ] Although fiscal terms were undisclosed, Özil signed a three-and-a-half-year conduct with Fenerbahçe worth a report £4.5 million ( €5 million ) a season, and received a £2.6 million ( €3 million ) signing-on bonus. [ 168 ] [ 169 ] Özil said he was “ very happy, very activated ” to be joining the club and would “ wear the shirt with pride ”, he added : “ I was always Fenerbahçe fan, this is a dream come true for me. ” [ 170 ] [ 171 ] [ 172 ] [ 173 ] Fenerbahçe had wanted to sign Özil for years, [ 174 ] [ 175 ] [ 176 ] and chair Ali Koç besides commended the deal, noting they were ineffective to sign the musician in 2019 due to fiscal concerns. [ 177 ] [ 178 ] Özil had stated a hope to represent Fenerbahçe, the team he supported as a child [ 179 ] [ 180 ] [ 181 ] [ 182 ] during his career, [ 176 ] angstrom well as play in Major League Soccer ( MLS ), with Özil besides engaging in negotiations with D.C. United anterior to signing for Fenerbahçe. [ 183 ] [ 184 ] In his beginning season, Özil was assigned the number 67 jersey, in character to the license plate of his ancestral town, Zonguldak, as his recognizable number 10, arsenic well as his previous total 11, were occupied by Mbwana Samatta and Diego Perotti, respectively. [ 185 ] On 2 February, he made his Süper Lig debut for Fenerbahçe as a ersatz for Mame Thiam in the 77th infinitesimal against Hatayspor, which Fenerbahçe won 2–1. [ 186 ] Özil missed eight league games in his first temper, from 4 March until 29 April, after rupturing ankle ligaments and contracting COVID-19. [ 187 ] He recorded his beginning help for the club on 11 May in a 2–1 personnel casualty against Sivasspor, as Fenerbahçe finally finished third. [ 188 ] [ 189 ] In his second base season, Özil was assigned the number 10 jersey, his recognizable issue. On 15 August, he scored his first goal for the cabaret in a 1–0 away victory against Adana Demirspor, besides captaining the team for the foremost clock time. [ 190 ] On 16 September, he scored his first european goal for Fenerbahçe in a UEFA Europa League game against Eintracht Frankfurt. [ 191 ] [ 192 ] [ 193 ] On 21 November, he scored an equalizer in the 31st minute, sprinting from the center line to the penalty area, against Galatasaray in the Intercontinental Derby, which Fenerbahçe won 2–1 at Nef Stadium. [ 194 ] [ 195 ] [ 196 ] [ 197 ]
International career
Özil play for Germany in 2009 eligible to play for either Germany [ 16 ] or Turkey, [ 198 ] after long consideration, [ 199 ] [ 200 ] [ 201 ] Özil chose to play for his state of birth, Germany. [ 202 ] In September 2006, he was called up for the Germany under-17 team. He was a member of the german under-21 team from 2007. On 29 June 2009, Özil was selected the man of the match in a 4–0 win over England during the U-21 european Championship final. [ 11 ] He made his debut for the senior side during a friendly equal against Norway on 11 February 2009. He scored his first gear finish for the elder team in his third gear appearance, another friendly, against South Africa on 5 September in Leverkusen at the BayArena. [ citation needed ]
2010 FIFA World Cup
Özil was selected for Germany ‘s team for the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa, starting in all of the team ‘s matches. He provided an serve for Cacau ‘s goal to the 4–0 final examination sexual conquest against Australia in Germany ‘s first group game. He scored a left-footed half-volley from the edge of the penalty area against Ghana in the concluding group game, ensuring Germany progressed to the second round as group winners. [ 203 ] On 27 June 2010, Özil played in Germany ‘s succeed over England in the last 16 catch, setting up the fourth goal with a crisscross to Thomas Müller as Germany triumphed 4–1. [ 204 ] During the quarter-final meet against Argentina, he assisted the second goal for Miroslav Klose with a traverse to ensure the 4–0 final score for the Germans. FIFA announced that he was among the ten tournament players nominated for the Golden Ball. [ citation needed ]
UEFA Euro 2012
Özil was one of the leading forces in Germany ‘s qualification for UEFA Euro 2012, scoring five times during the campaign as Germany won all ten of its games to top their group. [ 205 ] Özil besides confirmed his repute as a critical passer, as he provided seven assists, more than any european international during euro 2012 qualification. [ 206 ] [ 207 ] When asked about his nation ‘s chances at Euro 2012, Özil merely replied, “ We have the potential to beat anyone and we have what it takes to win the claim. ” [ 208 ] On 29 February 2012, Özil was recognised as Germany ‘s best international of the year for 2011 anterior to kick-off at a friendly against France in Bremen. [ 209 ] [ 210 ] Özil ‘s Germany were drawn with the Netherlands, Denmark and Portugal into Group B at Euro 2012, widely touted as the “ Group of Death “. [ 211 ] Özil registered two assists, created nine chances, and claimed the valet of the Match award in Germany ‘s 4–2 quarter-final acquire over Greece. [ 212 ] He then scored Germany ‘s only goal ( a punishment ) in their 2–1 loss to Italy in the semi-finals. [ 213 ] His performance at Euro 2012 earned him two Carlsberg man of the Match Awards. He finished the tournament as the joint-highest serve provider ( 3 ) and was named in the team of the Tournament. [ 214 ]
2014 FIFA World Cup
Özil ended the 2014 FIFA World Cup qualification political campaign as Germany ‘s lead scorer with eight goals. [ 215 ] Following an injury to Marco Reus in a warm-up game, Özil was moved from his customary total 10 character into the collectivist position for the majority of the tournament. He started all seven of Germany ‘s 2014 FIFA World Cup games, and helped Germany make history by becoming the first european team to win the World Cup in South America. Özil scored the critical goal in the 119th moment of Germany ‘s 2–1 round of golf of 16 victory over Algeria, a match wide praised as one of the most entertain of the tournament. [ 216 ] Özil then provided an assist for Sami Khedira in Germany ‘s 7–1 semi-final acquire over Brazil. The finish Özil assisted, with a clever pass, made the score 5–0 to Germany after equitable 29 minutes. The shock nature of the 5-goal bustle generated global astonishment. [ 217 ] In the final, Özil played 120 minutes before being replaced by Arsenal teammate Per Mertesacker. Germany were crowned World Champions with a 1–0 win. [ 218 ] After the trophy was presented to the Germany team, UEFA President Michel Platini asked Özil for his match shirt as a keepsake, and Özil obliged. [ 219 ] He concluded the tournament as the drawing card in passes completed in the final-third ( 171 ), was ranked joint-second in chances created ( 17 ), behind only Lionel Messi ( 23 ), and ranked second overall in possessions won in the final-third ( 6 ). [ 220 ]
UEFA Euro 2016
On 12 June 2016, Özil completed the fully 90 minutes of Germany ‘s opening Euro 2016 pit against Ukraine which Germany won 2–0. He assisted Bastian Schweinsteiger ‘s goal in the 92nd moment. [ 221 ] On 21 June 2016, Özil completed 99 % of his passes, created six chances and claimed the man of the Match award in Germany ‘s acquire over Northern Ireland. [ 222 ] Five days by and by, Özil started in Germany ‘s 3–0 round of 16 gain over Slovakia. In the 13th hour of the match, he had a penalty campaign saved by goalkeeper Matúš Kozáčik. [ 223 ] On 2 July 2016, Özil scored the leading goal against Italy in the quarter-finals to give Germany a 1–0 advantage, before Italy late equalised through Leonardo Bonucci ‘s penalty. [ 224 ] Germany, however, emerged as the victorious side after winning the penalty shoot-out 6–5, despite Özil failing to convert his penalty kick after hitting the goal position. [ 225 ]
2018 FIFA World Cup
Özil was selected by coach Joachim Löw in Germany ‘s final examination 23-man team for the 2018 FIFA World Cup. [ 226 ] Despite the national team heavily under-performing as defending champions by being eliminated in the group stages, Özil featured in two of the area ‘s three games, and averaged more chances created per 90 minutes ( 5.5 ) than any other musician in the competition. [ 227 ]
retirement
In May 2018, Özil, aboard chap german external İlkay Gündoğan, both of turkish descent, met with and posed for photograph with Turkish president Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, in the lead up to the turkish general election. The photograph was interpreted as a shape of political digest for Erdoğan and his policies, and caused tensions in Germany, and even prompted accusations that the players lacked loyalty to the nation. [ 228 ] [ 229 ] [ 230 ] [ 231 ] The German Football Association ( DFB ) publicly distanced themselves from populace criticism, [ 232 ] opting to end the debate, [ 233 ] and focus on the approaching World Cup political campaign, in which both Özil and Gündoğan participated. [ 234 ] After the nation ‘s World Cup crusade, losing out at the group degree, Özil posted a series of messages on sociable media on 22 July, in order to clarify the photograph and address the criticism he had faced. In a drawn-out post, he described the photograph as just “ respecting the highest function of my family ‘s country ”, while besides adding his conversations with Erdoğan revolved entirely around their reciprocal interest in football. [ 235 ] Özil besides commented on several media outlets that were using the photograph, where he asserted that the media outlets have selectively criticised him for his turkish background, noting the relative miss of tumult from the media after Lothar Matthäus met with russian leader Vladimir Putin. [ 236 ] [ 237 ] [ 238 ] He subsequently detailed his core topic with the national team stemmed from his interactions with Reinhard Grindel, the DFB president, accusing him of displaying both racism and disrespect on multiple occasions, while besides noting exchangeable incidents with early high-profile german nationals, namely Bernd Holzhauer and Werner Steer. [ 239 ] He then retired from the team as a form of protest against members within the Federation in which he perceived had “ racially discriminative backgrounds ”. [ 240 ] Following the announcement of his retirement, Özil drew support and criticism from the populace, former players, and managers ; early teammate Per Mertesacker notably came out in support. [ 241 ]
style of play
Özil with actual Madrid in 2011 A immediate, agile, creative and technical player, with good drivel skills, [ 2 ] [ 242 ] [ 243 ] Özil is a versatile midfielder, who excels in an promote playmaking function, [ 2 ] [ 244 ] as a winger on either flank, or as an attack midfielder through the centre of the lurch. [ 245 ] [ 246 ] During the 2010 FIFA World Cup, he was besides deployed in a new role which was late described as a false-10 or cardinal winger, due to his leaning to drift from the concentrate into a wide stead when in possession of the ball ; [ 247 ] [ 248 ] he has besides been deployed in a more advanced character, where he normally functions as a irregular hitter, as he often drops into deeper positions, from which he can link the midfield with the attack and broach fall moves. [ 246 ] He has even played as a centre-forward on occasion, apparently operating as a alone striker, but actually operating false 9 role. [ 249 ] An elegant left-footed player, his main attributes are his vision, [ 250 ] [ 251 ] [ 252 ] his control, movement ( both on and off the ball ), positional smell, delicacy, passing range, and accurate intersection ability, arsenic good as his delivery from set-pieces, [ 245 ] [ 252 ] [ 253 ] [ 254 ] [ 255 ] which allow him to get into good assaultive positions, create chances, and provide many assists for his teammates, or even score goals himself. [ 256 ] [ 257 ] due to his creative ability and offensive art as a playmaker, Özil has been called “ assist-king ” in the media. [ 252 ] [ 258 ] [ 259 ] As of January 2016, Özil had the best ratio of assists per game in the history of the Premier League. [ 260 ] Germany under-21 coach Horst Hrubesch once said, “ We in Germany are prone to rave about extraneous players. We praise Wayne Rooney to the heavens, similarly Ronaldo or Messi. But we have our own Messi. Our Messi is Özil. ” [ 261 ] [ 262 ] In the UEFA Euro 2012 modifier against Belgium, he scored a goal which has been described as a “ work of art ”. [ 11 ] [ 263 ] Germany coach Joachim Löw hails Özil for his “ flair moments ” and his operation without the ball. [ 264 ]
former Real Madrid midfielder Xabi Alonso described Özil as “ the kind of player you do n’t find these days ”, adding, “ He understands the game, sees things, combines and thrives between the lines, unlocking teams. ” José Mourinho, who coached Özil for a time at Real Madrid said, “ Özil is alone. There is no copy of him – not even a badly copy. ” [ 265 ] Assistant coach of the Germany national team Hansi Flick said, “ We are gallant to have him in our team. When he has the ball, you can feel the excitation and astonishment among the fans. ” [ 208 ] Former Netherlands and Milan advancing Ruud Gullit described Özil as a “ technically arrant ” player who has “ total control of the ball ” and a “ bang-up imagination ”. [ 266 ] Former Germany teammate Phillip Lahm said of Özil “ His vision is credibly the best I have always seen … He is a dream for strikers. “, [ 267 ] while Mario Gómez called Özil “ credibly the most brilliant football player we have or always had ”. [ 268 ] Despite his reputation as an offensive playmaker, Özil has besides drawn criticism at times for his lack of animalism and his first gear defensive work-rate off the ball. [ 252 ] Despite his success, he has besides been accused by some in the sport, including Glenn Hoddle, Raymond Domenech and Jonathan Smith, of going missing in important or physical games. [ 269 ] [ 270 ] [ 271 ] His nicknames have included “ der Rabe “ ( the Raven, or in spanish, “ El Cuervo “ ) – playing on his chic and opportunist style of play, [ 272 ] and at Werder Bremen “ der neue Diego “ ( the new Diego ), in reference point to brazilian Diego, whose playmaker function he inherited, [ 273 ] “ german Messi “ [ 274 ] and “ german Zidane “. [ 275 ] At Real Madrid, he was purportedly called “ Nemo ”, due to his physical appearance – in reference to the clownfish from the animated movie Finding Nemo. [ 265 ] [ 276 ]
personal life sentence
Özil is a third-generation Turkish-German, [ 277 ] who, in reference point to his game, concludes, “ My proficiency and feeling for the ball is the turkish side to my game. The discipline, attitude and always-give-your-all is the german part. ” [ 278 ] The first lyric Özil learned was turkish, and he attended a preschool populated with students of turkish immigrants. [ 279 ] He belated attended school at Gesamtschule Berger Feld in Gelsenkirchen. [ 280 ] Özil states his ancestors are heathen Turks [ 281 ] [ 282 ] from Devrek. [ 283 ] however, there are sources that claim Özil ‘s ancestors are ethnic Kurds. [ 284 ] [ 285 ] Özil is a practising Muslim. He recites from the Quran before his matches. Talking to the Berlin -based daily Der Tagesspiegel, Özil said, “ I always do that before I go out [ on the pitch ]. I pray and my teammates know that they can not talk to me during this brief period. ” [ 286 ] He observes fasting during the Islamic calendar month of Ramadan, but he has admitted that : “ Because of my job I can not follow Ramadan properly. I do it only the few days I can, only when I have a free day. But early than that it ‘s impossible, because you have to drink and eat a distribute to stay at bill fitness. ” [ 287 ] In May 2016, he performed Umrah pilgrimage to Mecca. [ 288 ] During a Europa League catch in 2018 against Atlético Madrid, an Atlético fan threw a part of boodle at Özil while he was preparing to take a corner. Özil picked up the bread, kissed it, and brought it to his frontal bone to express gratitude towards the food given to him, a cardinal dogma in Islam. His gesticulate was later widely applauded throughout the stadium. [ 289 ] In 2010, Özil was awarded the Bambi for being a prime exemplar of successful integration within german society. [ 290 ] Özil started dating singer Mandy Capristo in 2013. [ 291 ] The relationship ended in 2014, following reports of Özil being involved with another woman. [ 292 ] In 2015, Özil and Capristo appeared together at the Bambi awards ceremony in Berlin. [ 293 ] An Instagram photograph uploaded by Özil used the hashtag # OziStoIsBack, suggesting that the couple is back in concert. [ 294 ] however, they broke up in 2017 and Özil began dating former Miss Turkey, Amine Gülşe. [ 295 ] They married in 2019, and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan was a witness during the ceremony. [ 296 ] In March 2020, the couple confirmed the birth of their first child, a daughter named Eda. [ 297 ] In July 2019, Özil and Arsenal teammate Sead Kolašinac were the victims of an undertake carjacking by a pair of armed masked men. [ 298 ] A Metropolitan Police spokesman late said Özil and Kolašinac managed to get away unharmed and travelled to a nearby restaurant in Golders Green, where they were “ spoken to by officers ”. Footage besides circulated on social media which appeared to show Kolašinac chasing off the carjackers. Arsenal commented they reviewed security measures with their players with help from independent experts and the police, [ 299 ] which resulted in the pair not being included in Arsenal ‘s Premier League season undoer against Newcastle United on 11 August. [ 300 ] by and by the same day, two men were arrested and charged with a public order offense after becoming involved in an affray with security staff outside Özil ‘s home. Police noted this incidental was unrelated to the car-jacking attempt. [ 301 ]
philanthropy
As contribution of the BigShoe project, Özil donated his 2014 World Cup winnings, an estimated £240,000, to pay for 23 ill brazilian children to have medical surgery as a “ personal thank you for the cordial reception of the people of Brazil. ” [ 302 ] In May 2016, international media covered Özil ‘s inflict to the Zaatari refugee camp in Jordan, family to around 80,000 people displaced as a consequence of the syrian civil war. Özil toured the camp ampere well as playing with children, signing autograph and handing out football shirts. [ 303 ] After getting married in June 2019, Özil paid for 1,000 children to have surgery in celebration. [ 302 ] In 2017, he worked with the charity My Shining Star to make a child cancer affected role ‘s dream come on-key. He invited the child, Charlie, to be a guest at his individual box and in the musician ‘s loiter during a plot with Sunderland at Emirates Stadium. [ 304 ] In 2020, after Arsenal made longterm mascot Jerry Quy excess, Özil offered to reimburse Arsenal for his wage if they rehired Quy, doing so ascribable to their conclusion friendship. [ 305 ] In Ramadan 2021, Özil sent food packages to 41 provinces in Turkey to people in necessitate, in collaboration with the turkish Red Crescent. [ 306 ] [ 307 ]
activism and advocacy
In December 2019, Özil went on-line to publish a poem denouncing the treatment of Uyghurs in China. [ 308 ] [ 309 ] It was written over a backdrop of the East Turkestan flag and in it, he besides criticised Muslim countries for not speaking out about the Xinjiang re-education camps. [ 163 ] [ 164 ] [ 310 ] Arsenal late released a instruction distancing itself from the comments. [ 311 ] State broadcasters China Central Television and PP Sports responded two days late by removing the match between Arsenal and Manchester City from their schedules, while his compare was removed from chinese internet providers and version of eFootball PES 2020. [ 312 ] The Chinese Football Association said Ozil ‘s comments were “ unacceptable ”. [ 313 ] [ 312 ] Some have suggested Özil ‘s eventual omission from the Arsenal police squad was related to such criticism. [ 166 ] [ 165 ] China ‘s government late stated Özil was “ blinded and misled ”, and invited him to visit Xinjiang. [ 314 ] [ 315 ] In October 2020, he voiced his support for Azerbaijan in the 2020 Nagorno-Karabakh war, quoting Mustafa Kemal Atatürk on the Azerbaijani–Turkish relations. [ 316 ] [ 317 ] During his presentation as a Fenerbahçe musician, he posed with the Azerbaijani masthead. [ 318 ] He announced his support for Palestine in the 2021 Israel–Palestine crisis, besides wearing a “ free palestine ” jersey along with other Fenerbahçe footballers. [ 319 ] [ 320 ] [ 321 ] In October 2021, Özil teamed with the Football Association ( FA ) and Football for Peace to launch a exploitation center, located at the University of Bradford, to tackle the disparity of british Asians in association football. Quoting his own multiethnic background, Özil stated a desire to “ give [ british Asians ] an opportunity to be successful on and off the lurch ”. [ 322 ]
In 2013, Özil signed a sponsorship conduct with german sportswear and equipment supplier Adidas. [ 323 ] He has appeared in commercials for Adidas Predator boots with other asterisk players such as Lionel Messi, Gareth Bale, Thomas Müller and James Rodríguez. One of those adverts, entitled “ Create Your Own Game ”, was released in August 2015, in which Özil featured aboard those players. [ 324 ] In 2013, Özil launched his own logo. [ 325 ] Özil ‘s “ M ” goal celebration – which is in tribute to his young niece Mira – is included in EA Sports ‘ FIFA 17. [ 326 ] [ 327 ] His autobiography, The Magic of the Game / Gunning for Greatness, was released in 2017. [ 328 ] [ 329 ]
career statistics
club
- As of match played 24 October 2021[330][331]
International
Appearances and goals by national team and year[332]
National team
Year
Apps
Goals
Germany
2009
7
1
2010
14
2
2011
9
5
2012
13
6
2013
9
3
2014
10
1
2015
8
0
2016
13
3
2017
5
1
2018
4
1
Total
92
23
- Scores and results list Germany’s goal tally first, score column indicates score after each Özil goal.[333]
Honours
Werder Bremen
Real Madrid
Arsenal
Germany U21
Germany
Individual
References
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