In his soon to be released autobiography ‘The Magic of the Game’ the Arsenal playmaker reveals the details of his acrimonious divorce from the Spanish giants and how Wenger convinced him his future lay in north London.
Ozil joined the Gunners from Real on deadline day back in August 2013 in a deal worth £42.5 million, with president Florentino Perez keen to recoup a sizable chunk of the money he had shelled out for Gareth Bale, who cost a then world record fee of £86 million.
Germany international Ozil had just enjoyed a stellar season at the Bernabeu and had been in the midst of contract negotiations before relations turned sour.
He wrote: ‘I did not intend to leave Real Madrid at all. Nobody assumed that a change of clubs would take place. My father and I both had the goal to extend for a further year, to continue my success story with Real Madrid and win the Champions League.
‘My father then took over the negotiations. He contacted Florentino Perez. It was only a question of closing another long-term contract with Real, admittedly under better conditions but it was not about greed. The first offer from Real was unfortunately not what we had hoped for.’
Ozil then revealed details of a furious bust-up between his farther and the Real Madrid supremo which saw him benched by incoming manager Carlo Ancelotti. And with his place in jeopardy, the former Werder Bremen midfielder was left with no option but to make a call that would change his life.
‘Suddenly I had to act for the sake of my career. It was not easy for me at the beginning, but I chose to call a number, which I had in my mobile phone since 2010.
‘Mr. Wenger,’ I said. ‘I promised to contact you first if there was the possibility that I would look for another club. Now that time has arrived’.’
‘My change from Real Madrid to Arsenal London was the most difficult decision of my life. In my mind I still had the desire to become a Champions League winner with Real Madrid. The journey with Real was not yet finished.
[Metro UK]
