New Real Madrid signing Mesut Ozil yesterday admitted working under Jose Mourinho was key to his decision to move to the Bernabeu.
Ozil agreed to join Madrid from Werder Bremen earlier this week for a reported fee of €15 million and was presented in the Spanish capital yesterday.
And despite press speculation linking the Germany midfielder with a move to Barcelona, Ozil said Madrid were the only club in his thoughts.
“There was no other option (for me) other than Real Madrid,” he said at his unveiling. “I was clear that I wanted to play for the best and for me, Mourinho is the best – and I wanted to play for him.”
Ozil said a brief chat with the Portuguese coach convinced him Madrid was the right move. He added: “We spoke, but what was said will stay between us. What I will say is that I spoke to him and he convinced me (to sign).”
Mourinho believes the 21-year-old can shine at Madrid for the next decade. “He’s a player who can play for Real Madrid for 10 years,” he told Marca after the club’s 1-1 draw with Standard Liege on Tuesday night.
Ozil, who joins Germany team-mate Sami Khedira at the Bernabeu, has set his sights on winning the Primera Division and the Champions League.
“Both are very important,” he said. “We want to win the league and also the Champions League. I think we have the potential and the quality necessary to fight for both competitions. That’s why I’ve come here – to win titles.”
No more signings
Madrid were also reportedly keen to bring a striker to the Bernabeu in time for next season, but sporting director Jorge Valdano said Ozil will give Mourinho’s side options in midfield and attack.
“His arrival allows us to play in different ways and perhaps compensates for the fact that a third striker, which was talked about, has not arrived,” he said.
In addition to Ozil, Madrid have signed Khedira, Argentina winger Angel di Maria and Chelsea defender Ricardo Carvalho this summer, as well as bringing in Spanish duo Sergio Canales and Pedro Leon for next season.
But Valdano stressed the club’s transfer business is now complete “Ozil is the team’s last incorporation for the new season,” he said.
“Mourinho feels very comfortable with the squad and is satisfied (with what he has) following the signing of Ozil.”