Ozil - How I deal with criticism

Mesut Ozil says his critics don’t faze him - because his manager’s opinion is the most important thing to him.

The German international is enjoying an excellent season thus far, having provided 12 assists and four goals in all competitions.

While Ozil’s displays during 2015/16 have earned widespread praise, the playmaker has also been criticised across some media channels since joining Arsenal.

“I’ve been playing for a long time, I’ve been in the game for a long time, ever since I was young,” he said. “When I played well I was praised and if I didn’t I was criticised, but the main thing is what the manager thinks about me.

“Football is a day-to-day business. You can play really well in one game, and then not as well in the next. You just deal with it yourself.

“I don’t look at what the media says because I’m playing really well at the moment. Everything is working really well. It’s not important what others think.

“I never look at what people write about me. I just deal with my performances myself. My goal has always been to do my work and then when I am at home I don’t have to think about football.

“The best lesson in my life is from my parents. They’ve taught me to always be down to earth and always take people as they come, whether people criticise you or are nice to you.

“They taught me that and that¹s how I try to lead my life.”