News

Ozil - Why I idolised Zidane as a kid

You only need to look at the number of fans on a matchday wearing shirts with his name and number on the back to realise that Mesut Ozil is a major role model.

When our No 11 was younger himself, he always looked up to Zinedine Zidane - and this is why.

“I always saw him as a complete player,” Ozil told Arsenal Player. “He could use both feet, was dangerous in front of goals, strong defensively, good in the air and had an unbelievable first touch.

“A lot of people told me at the time that my style of play reminded them of him. They’d say ‘you are calm and seem to have time on the pitch, even if 10 people are going at you, you always find a solution’. That always fascinated me about Zidane.

“I watched what he’d do on the pitch and want to do it myself when I was a young kid. Most things I picked up quickly, thank God. As I said, he was my idol.

“I’ve met him and it’s all the nicer when you get to know his character and know him as a person. For me that was a special moment back then.”

How well do you know Mesut?

 

Look out for more polls soon

See Full List

Fixtures & Results

Premier League
Ticket Info