The Story of Mesut Ozil's Life

Mesut Ozil, Germans with Turkish roots, would have a happy and football-inspired childhood in his home town of Gelsenkirchen. On the back streets and on a football field, called the “monkey cage” Young Mesut would develop a unique and creative style of play. Many years later the result would be a successful club career in Germany, which led to not one, but two teams calling after him.

Family Ozil emigration 

Ozil family roots are can be found in northwest Turkey and in the small village Hisiroglu , less than an hour’s drive to the coast and the Black Sea. Hisiroglu which is a mini-society with scarce thousand inhabitants is part of the province of Zonguldak. It was this little village that Ozil’s grandfather (as he became later in life), early in the 1970’s decided to leave in search of a better life abroad. The new destination would be Germany and it was no coincidence. 

At the beginning of the 1960s and early ’70s Germany introduced and carried on a labor policy that attracted foreign workers and the masses. They wanted to have so-called “Gastarbeiter” (guest workers) from abroad, people were needed for industries and mines, which were currently experiencing an economic boom. Willing workers searched for the possibility of a better life streamed into Germany, the countries from which (former) Yugoslavia, Morocco, Italy and Turkey. One of these immigrants was Mesut Ozil’s grandfather. He was almost immediately started a job in a mine and then chose also to permanently settle in Germany. With them from Turkey, he had his wife and his two-year son, Mustafa. Mustafa, about twenty years later would have his own German-born son. The son would be named Mesut Ozil.

Mesut born - Football player’s form in the “monkey cage” 

On October 15, 1988 Mesut Ozil came into  the world. Born in Gelsenkirchen, a city in the northern Ruhr area, and residents of the district Bismarck, it would come to make Mesut  feel like a real German. Mesut’s childhood was marked by security and happiness, he had everything he needed. Mesut Mustafa’s father had managed to establish himself in German society and was now  self-employed, mother Gulizar was a homemaker. Grandfather who had taken his family to Germany was enjoying a well-deserved retirement. Mesut was the second child, he had a brother named Mutlu and would several years later also have two younger sisters, Nese and Dugyu. 

Mesut Ozil: “I’m very proud of my Turkish roots.” 

Mesut started playing football when he was seven years, there was no choice. The family was crazy about football and his older brother as he looked up to was already active in a football team. Parent Club became Westfalia 04 Gelsenkirchen, a local club. To twelve years old would Mesut play for two local club teams and in 2000 would find a new club Rot-Weiss Essen. Here he would then spend five years before  in 2005 he took the step to the Schalke youth academy. At his side during this juvenile period Mesut always had  his father for support. Mustafa was also Ozil biggest critics. He was the only one who dared to be honest with Ozil and point out deficiencies that his son had in his game. When all the other parents told Mesut that he played well, even when he did not, the father came with constructive criticism instead. With Honesty and the support of Mustafa, Mesut did better, it was something that his son appreciated, especially later in life. The development of the German club teams had been incredibly successful for Mesut and now resulted in a desirable location in the Schalke youth academy, but it was not like this that the real football player Mesut Ozil was formed. 

From the age of seven until his early teens as seen Mesut evenly and constantly playing football in a place the locals called “Affenkäfig, “monkey cage” was a fenced football field with very uneven grass, with he fence made so that the ball was always in play. There were more similar locations in the area, all located just behind the big apartment buildings and all are mostly full of young immigrant boys. Here Mesut spent more hours than anywhere else, playing with his friends, day in and out, even long after darkness had fallen. Here he developed his technique, his reflexes and his creative side. Unexpected tricks that would otherwise never have arisen and come to life, were created and flourished here. Mesut’s  time in the monkey cage laid the foundation for the legend and creator, he would become many years later. 

Mesut Ozil about his time in the “monkey cage”: “Somehow, I could always do what I wanted with the ball. The other boys always said, one day you will become a great footballer. “ 

Club career in Germany 

Stay in the Schalke youth teams would not be so long for Ozil, he was simply too good. After being youth champion in 2006 Mesut would in August of that year  make his Bundesliga debut against Eintracht Frankfurt, at the age of 17. The first salary as a professional football player was used  for a driver’s license, a car and the rest went to the family. His career at Schalke looked very promising, Ozil was now seen as one of the most exciting talent in German football. Mesut also became quite quickly a popular person with the Schalke fans, the most for his creative style of play but also because he was of their own supporters was seen as a genuine “Schalke’s son”, born and raised in the city as he was. However, he time in Schalke would come to an unexpected and unpleasant end when Mesut in January 2008 chose to sign for Werder Bremen. The reasons for the somewhat surprising descision was that Mesut during his second season at Schalke felt that he had not been playing as much as he wanted. Despite this, he had already had time to make his debut in the Champions League. Schalke then tried to offer Ozil a new contract to save him in the club but Mesut refused to sign because he did not think that Schalke made sufficient effort to show that it really believed in him. Rumors also spread that Ozil did not thrive under the former Schalke coach Mirko Slomka and Mesut was not happy with the new contract proposal (economic part), in the German press, however, he was quickly painted up as a greedy person,. Something that would hurt and cause pain for Ozil. The transition, however, was clear and Werder Bremen could buy off Ozil for a very cheap cost of around four million euros, thanks to Ozil contract with Schalke was about to go out next year. 

Mesut Ozil on the move from Schalke Werder Bremen: “It was the most difficult period in my career. Schalke was my club. Suddenly we parted our ways.”

The move to northern Germany and Bremen would Mesut allow to live own in January 2008, at the 19 years of age. Without family and without friends, he went off to start a new chapter in his career, a time whic made him mature as a person. The sporting success would come quite quickly in Bremen, a proof of this was when the Bremen fans just a few months into Ozil signing into the club started calling Mesut “the new Diego”. Referring to their own aggressive dominant 10th Diego, a player who was very prominent and beloved of Werder Bremen. A few others went further and started calling Ozil  “Messiah.” During the 08/09 season Mesu made t 15 assists and four goals for his new club, one of these goals was a crucial one in the German Cup final against Bayer Leverkusen, where the Bremen took home the title after a 1-0 victory. Mesut also got to play the finals this season, namely the UEFA Cup final against Shakhtar Donetsk, but Werder Bremen lost. The only real disappointment this season was a less successful league season in which Bremen had to settle for a middle position. 

Mesut Ozil: “It was very tough for me to leave my home town of Gelsenkirchen. Suddenly, I was there without my family and my friends were many miles from me. Today I am proud that I did it (moved to Bremen on your own) and I succeeded. “

Season 09/10 was also quite successful for Ozil, on a personal level. He managed to take on Diego’s role in Bremen and in an extraordinary manner, after Diego had moved to Juventus. Turkish-German managed to make nine goals and 17 assists for Werder when the club finished in an approved third in the league

Mesut had now created a name for himself, particularly in Germany and by the continuous good progress in Werder Bremen. Development curve had since day one pointed up and game time was consistent and abundant. But it was not in the hammaer as Mesut Ozil would get its absolute breakthrough, it was in fact in the German national team as a German-Turk would be reflected in earnest. First under-21 national team and then with the A-squad when the World Cup in South Africa would be played But the breakthrough would come in the German national team was not so obvious when Mesut had the opportunity and could have choosen to represent Turkey instead. 

Mesut Ozil forced to choose between Germany and Turkey 

Ozil was faced with a difficult dilemma in 2009, to go after where he had his roots and its origin and thus become part of the Turkish national squad or select the country and the national team where he had been brought up as a person and as a footballer, namely Germany . The German Football Federation had years before been given an early warning that they absolutely could not miss out on this Mesut Ozil. Werder Bremen sporting director Klaus Allofs who had Ozil in his club had taken matters into their own hands and called and called for the German Football Association that, Ozil you must not miss, there is a talent beyond the ordinary. 

Invitations from the two countries came in 2008, first from the already ‘warned’ Germany and then Turkey, both teams were very eager to “lock” the giant talent Ozil to their respective countries. Pull The fight was started, Joachim Löw was standing on one side, Fatih Terim on the other, Ozil in the middle. After being denied some of the early calls to the national team from both Turkey and Germany would, Mesut in early February 2009 put an end to all of this. He chose Germany and tug of war was over. Shortly after this decision was made public, Mesut was forced to shut down his guestbook on his homepage, after threats and insults from the east who thought he had made the wrong choice. 

Mesut Ozil “The decision has not been easy for me, my family and my friends from Turkey.But I have not made a choice to Turkey - I have made a choice for Germany. “ 

The decision to choose Germany for Mesut was not as difficult as it first sounded when he was diplomatic and officially announced his reasons for the choice of the world’s press earlier in February 2009. Ozil felt like a real German, and rightfully so, born and raised in Germany as he was. His closest family and friends all lived in Germany. Mesut had already represented the German youth national team and dreamed early in his youth that may he incur “Die Mannschaft” shirt. It was simply a natural choice for Ozil, Mesut who had always felt well treated in German society. But as obvious as the choice was for Ozil, as unnatural and incomprehensible it might seem to others. The Turkish people were not satisfied with Mesut Ozil’s decision. 

Mesut Ozil: “I chose to become a German citizen because that was what I wanted. I decided to represent the German national team since I already as a little boy wanted to play for Germany. “

Harsh criticism from the Turkish quarters 

“Even my own brother has protested against Mesut playing for Germany.” The words of Mustafa Ozil, Mesut dad. Mesut’s choice was obviously not appreciated by all, it was not even among those who stood close to Mesut. It was no secret that Mesut Ozil was painted as a traitor by the Turkish audience. Mesut had , they said turned a blind eye for who he really was, a Turk. The reviews were not kind and it would also come from the Turkish players, where a special person was the one that was hardest for Mesut Ozi to hear.. Ironically (in view of the future), it was Hamit Altintop. Altintop  also he was born and raised in Gelsenkirchen Germany but unlike Ozil, had chosen the Turkish national team. Faced with a delicate European Championship qualifier in September 2010 between Germany and Turkey played against each other,  Hamit said that Ozil (which at that time belonged to Real Madrid) did not make the national team selection by the heart but that it was based on a commercial basis .It was , said Hamit easier for Mesut to make a name for himself as a German, get more respect as a footballer and earn more money, than playing for the Turks. Altintop simply could not show his support for Mesut Ozil. 

Altintop: “I am a tolerant person and I respect Mesut’s choices but I can not give him my support.”

Ozil knew that he could not possibly make everyone happy no matter what team he chose to  play for.By contrast, the future would show that the choice made by Mesut was the right thing, in every possible way. The success of Germany’s team would immediately come and in what way they came! 

Mesut Ozil: “I hope so, that Turkish football fans can follow my matches and feel proud of them.” 

After choosing Germany over Turkey huge successes in the German national team would follow for Mesut, including during the World Cup in South Africa. The success was so great that he transferred to Real Madrid in the summer of 2010. Özil delivered well  in Spain and he enchanted the Bernabeu crowd in no time. While he remained the same humble person that he always had been. 

Özil: an impact with a bang on the national team 

Özil’s  time in the German national team would soon reap great success, it was here that Özil would reflected in earnest and make a name. Already in the year 2006 then 17-year-old Mesut had got to try out what it was like to play with the white team shirt. Mesut was then a part of the German U-17 national team. The following year, he advanced n the ranking when he was 18-year-old and could make his debut for the U-21 national team. A national team debut was not slow in coming after that. Mesut’s fine efforts of at Werder Bremen, where he quickly had managed to gain respect, led him in February 2009 could make his A-team debut, so with a brief guest appearance against Norway at home in Dusseldorf. That same year, in summer, while  U21 Championship finals in Sweden, where Mesut would  play the lead role, for the first time in the German national team link. Mesut excelled and dominated from minute one of his races, his technique and with his passing. Germany reached quite easily the finals and once there broke an easy England team with 4-0.  Voted as best player, Mesut Özil became the chosen ones. Özil was a little bit better than all, and with such as Captain Sami Khedira so would Mesut Özil win his first trophy in the national team jersey and  in a very convincing way. 

Mesut Özil: “My technique and my ball-esteem comes from the Turkish part of me.Discipline, attitude and the attitude to “always give his all,” is from the German part of me. “

After U21 success a World Cup finals in South Africa awaited Özil. In advance was Mesut a fairly anonymous name for the vast majority, despite U21-domination, and despite great progress and continuous excellent performance in the Club Bremen. But after the World Cup finals, everything would change, the name Mesut Özil would become widely known. Özil continued on under-21 track with dazzling action, although the resistance was now much better. All that Mesut did on the football field looked so simple, his easy casual body language and movement patterns reinforced this sense, a pattern of movement that reminded many of simplicity master, Zinedine Zidane. A beautiful kick in the group stage against Ghana was followed up with a clear win in eighth finals against England where Özil could assist to Muller’s 4-1 goal. The following Özil the moment before made a long run with such speed that the nearest opponent Gareth Barry appeared to be slower than a turtle in an uphill battle. Özil greatly impressed and showed up a registry and a capacity no prior thought had expected to see of him. Speed, technology, games, perception, creativity and a delicate left foot struck excellent passes, everything was there and everything was top class even though Mesut now found himself on the world’s biggest stage where the pressure was enormous and the competition very tough. 

Mesut Özil: “When I have the ball things happen spontaneously. I think there is something you have within youself. I’m not at all sure that it is possible to learn. “

After that performance, Germany crushed Argentina in the subsequent quarter-finals with a 4-0 and after providing yet another assistant would Özil after the match outside the locker room encounter a special person just for the brief moment became a symbol of what Mesut already achieved in the national team and as an “immigrant” in Germany. Mesut had made left the field earlier than the others due to a bang he got on the ankle. German-Turk had taken off his sweaty shirt in the locker room and in only shorts wen he opened the door to the dressing room to go out. Mesut did not know that German Chancellor Angela Merkel herself was outside the door. Both were a bit surprised and slightly embarrassed when they saw each other, especially the Shy Özil. The conversation that followed went smoothly and it was nice. Mesut had with his Turkish background now been able to meet Germany’s leader and one of the world’s most powerful women. Özil had also now automatically become an exemplary integration example and a model for many young immigrant children in Germany. And Germany was in dire need of a good integration examples. Mesut’s success on the football field, and Germany was now to Özil was a person who had to take more responsibility for everything he did both on and off the football field. Mesut was now so much more than just a professional soccer player. 

Mesut Özil: “I wish with all my heart that there will come a day when everyone in Germany feel like a big family. We all (German-born and immigrants in the country) live together, many Turks also have a German passport, and they want to integrate well. “

Germany in South Africa would run out in the semifinals against Spain, it became too much and too hard for the incredibly young and talented Germany. Mesut had to settle for a bronze medal in Germany after defeating Uruguay for third prize. Özil had started all the games during this World Cup and has been one of the more prominent players in the German team.. The 21-year-old and in advance as very inexperienced and untried in this context. Mesut was also one of the ten nominees for the World Cup Golden Ball, which was a final proof of his personal triumph in the World Cup finals. Mesut Özil’s name was in nomination for the World Cup Golden Ball viewed together with other already incredibly deserving profiles, such as Iniesta, Forlan, Schweinsteiger, Robben, Sneijder and Villa. Mesut’s international breakthrough was now a fact and World Cup success made so that the world’s largest club with world’s best coaches became aware of the incredibly talented German-Turk. Mourinho rang … 

Mesut Özil: “Your first international tournament is one of the things that you never forget in your life.”

Özil becomes meringue and makes debut 

Fairly late in the transfer period in the summer of 2010 Mesut Özil was suddenly being considered for Real Madrid. The rumor quickly turned into serious interest and on August 17, Real Madrid would officially announce on their website that they have fixed the German-Turkish super talent. The total came to 15 million, the low price was because Mesut only had one year left on contract with Werder Bremen. Özil’s performances in World Cup finals, convinced Real Madrid to make the offer, in hopes that no one else had. Özil, who reportedly had been Barcelona supporter as a child and later in life also had sympathy for FC Barcelona (he thought their play was entertaining), however, He hesitated not a moment when the possibility of representing the world’s biggest club came. A call in 30 minutes with The Special One was finally nail in the coffin. Özil was now a meringue, he had reached the very top and before his 22 years. 

Mesut Özil: “When I got the opportunity to join Real Madrid, there was no choice for me to do.Let’s be honest - you do not say no to this club. “

The first training was conducted shortly after Mesut signed for Real Madrid. Before training debut,  Mesut had been forced to give a short speech to all the Real Madrid player, according to tradition. Mesut’s speech expressed how proud he was to play for Real Madrid and that he wished team-mates every success for the future and good health. His meaning was understood, however, only by Sami Khedira because Mesut spoke in German. Despite this, all the teammates clapped at the end. Five days later  Mesut was making his debut for Los Blancos in a friendly against Hercules. League debut came after the 29th August in the 0-0 game against Mallorca, where Özil acted as understudy. Slowly but surely he became safer and more secure in the Real Madrid-link and on the football field. Life outside the sideline, however, contained some minor troubles, but with support from a German-Tunisian would also start adapting. 

Mesut Özil: “There can not be a single professional players out there who had not given anything to play in Real Madrid all-white set …”

Life in Spain easier thanks to Sami Khedira 

Fortunately for Mesut, there was already a player of Real Madrid, who he knew well, a good friend who spoke the same language as him. A person who he had won the Under-21 Championship and winning World Championships with bronze with, Sami Khedira. Adapting to life off the pitch (even to some extent) was so much smoother and easier for Özil in Sami’s presence. Khedira had even he (like Mourinho) has been in telephone contact with Mesut before the German-Turk who had recommended a move to Madrid, saying the weather is always nice, the players are very nice and the club is fantastic. Mesut realized after only one day that Khedira was telling the truth. Özil started immediately, like Khedira, the hard studying of Spanish, which he felt was important to learn as quickly as possible for integration’s sake. The whole house was filled with post-it notes, these were found different Spanish words written, simple words and phrases that could come in handy. Assimilation into the Spanish way of life took off, Mesut could already after a few weeks  felt comfortable with life in the Spanish capital and outside the football field. In his spare time began Mesut curious to explore Madrid, so by including visit the city’s restaurants, mostly along with Sami but after a while even with other players on the team, such as Marcelo and Higuain. At the same time, Özil begin developing a closer friendship with neighbor and Real Madrid’s second captain, Sergio Ramos. Life outside football was in harmony and in balance only after a few months, despite the huge shift. Özil blended in well in this new, fresh and young Real Madrid. Serenity and satisfaction in addition to the plan made in turn to Özil could devote all his energy and focus on one thing, the right, in a sporting plan to perform as good as possible for the football club Real Madrid.

Mesut Özil compares the culture of Spain with that of Germany: “The culture here is very different. People eat dinner at the 10th The setting is also very different, my furniture was promised to arrive within two weeks. It took two months. “

Özil charms Bernabeu and Mourinho 

Subtitute, whic Özil was in league debut against Mallorca, he would not have to be much longer. Özil continued, even in Los Blancos, the former path of success and compelling games. He charmed the Bernabeu from the start and got a standing ovation during the first home games. Mesut quickly became Bernabues new golden boy, mostly because their audience ratings play style of course but also for the humility that he exuded. Özil was easy to love, even for Spaniards. Quickly  Mesut also won Mourinho’s confidence and he was then given position into the starting line-up, week after week. The first goal came against Deportivo de La Coruna and there would be nine to come later in the season 2010/11. But it was not his objective, Mesut would help the team best, but as a assists man.

Mourinho on Özil: “He is unique. There is no copy of him, not even a poor copy. ”

Assistant hailed as pure Guti spirit and cooperation with a specific Ronaldo became deadly.Mesut was surprisingly easy to find just Ronaldo, sometimes it might seem as if these two had played together for years. At the end of the season  Özil had a total  25 assists(12 to Ronaldo) in the three races Real Madrid took part in. back heel pass in Ajax game  for Benzema and the surprising asist to Adebayors goal against Santander, two of the most beautiful present performances from Özil. Mesut would also become the most commonly used player in the squad during the 2010/11 season (including internationals), which could not be anything but impressive considering his teammates. Individual season could be summed up as a huge success for the German-Turk, league wise however, it became “just” a title win, a Copa del Rey victory. 

Mesut Özil: “The belief I have in my own ability is total. I’ve never been the one who enters a football field with feelings of fear and doubt. “

The meeting with the great hero gave Özil a huge inspiration 

Perhaps some of these achievements in the metropolitan club (the finer) of Mesut can be attributed to a particular Real Madrid legend. Özil had been allowed to meet his great idol of Real Madrid, a football player who inspired and fascinated him. A guy who Mesut describes as the “perfect football player.” Özil had been allowed to meet Zinedine Zidane and thanks to Mourinho’s new directives, so these two could be seen on almost a daily basis during the 2010/11 season, especially the latter part of the sesson (then Zidane in his new role even closer to the squad). It was something that spurred Mesut, gave him the extra power and made him happy. He smiled like a child as soon as he was next to the hero Zidane. 

Mesut Özil on Zidane: “He wishes me luck before every game and tell me to” play your game. “ I get goosebumps because he was my big idol, and since he is such a great personality. “

Özil’s life really was playing in Madrid and at the end of the season. The dreams had come true one by one, the individual success was enormous, the money rolled in with a frightful speed, and he was now a known face around the world. All that at 22-year-old. But Mesut personality and his approach to life and to work still remained the same. The money and success did not change him as so many times before had done with young super talents .Mesut also knew that he could always lean back on one thing, namely his religion, and the calm that it gave him. 

A believer Özil who remember his roots 

On the outskirts of Madrid you can find Mesut Özil’s house. A white house which according to him is his most expensive investment so far in life. In the hall stands a great foosball table, one team with white shirts and the other with red-blue. In one room, one finds only shoes, Mesut love shoes. Just outside the house one can see a small soccer field, a modernized “monkey cage” is now behind a mansion in sunny Spain and not from behind a huge apartment building in gray Germany. Here in this house Mesut spends much of his time by hanging out with friends and family who would come to visit and stay for longer periods. Mesut describes himself as a quiet type, a family man who also appreciates his friends. He remains happy at home relaxing, watching movies and just hanging out with those closest to the heart. Mesut also describes himself as a very religious man, Islam is his religion. And yes, he is there as well, something that Germany team manager Oliver Bierhoff during the World Cup in South Africa could testify to. Özil had expressed a desire, if someone could find where the nearest mosque was located. This is in the midst of a burning World Cup finals. Bierhoff fulfilled the wish of course, Özil did visit. Religion means obviously very much for Mesut, something you also can see just before kickoff in a game where Özil is playing. The image of a Mesut, with both hands, in front of the face while his lips move and whisper the words, is constantly recurring. Mesut reads some verses from the Quran, he prays quietly in the middle of chaos. According to Mesut it helps him to stay calm and focused just before the start of the game. 

Mesut, with feet on the ground at all times, does not forget his roots and his grandfather’s village where the family originated from Özil, Hisiroglu. He visits the small community when he has time and makes sure they have what they need. Mesut has also renovated the cemetery in the village and hired a person who takes care of it every day, year round. It was Özil’s way of paying back, his way of showing his appreciation and  respect for his past. An indirect thanks to his grandfather and for the struggle that he decided to take in the early 70’s. 

Mesut Özil: “I always recite the Qur’an before I go out on the pitch. This helps me to keep me focused. I pray and my teammates know they can not talk to me during this short period of time. “

Mesut is not perfect (the habit of choosing the wrong women), but his personality has been an important factor to the fact that he now represents the world’s biggest club, and he does quite splendidly. Mesut has always acted professionally and he has always tried to do his best. Despite the enormous success he has so far managed to stay calm and humble, largely thanks to his religion. He has also always been willing to make major sacrifices to become a better football player. Today we see the results of these sacrifices and dedication of Mesut. Mesut Özil has just started his football career, a career that has no boundaries. The limits  Mesut Özil sets himself and nobody else. But considering his attitude, his pure talent and his humble personality, it can carry Mesut Özil very far. How far? As Mesut himself hads said, “it only God knows.” 

This article is written by Real Madrid Planet

copy paste from facebook