<!--Article Start--> <h3 style="text-align: justify">Arsenal FC midfielder Mesut zil has spoken of his pride at being a role model for the next generation of multicultural footballers in Germany, as well as the importance of integration to create a harmonious environment around a football team</h3> <p style="text-align: justify">The former Real Madrid star is a third-generation Turkish-German, and is one of many footballers hailing from a Turkish background to represent Die Mannschaft. Recently, the Arsenal FC star spoke to the club about integration, as well as how his personality allows him to be open-minded about new experiences.</p> <p style="text-align: justify"> zil has come in for a lot of criticism for his performance on the pitch against West Ham United on Sunday in the Gunners' opening-day defeat, but undoubtedly deserves a lot of praise for his efforts off the pitch. The German international even won Germany's Bambi award in 2010 in the 'Integration' category for 'being a prime example of successful integration into German society'.</p> <h3 style="text-align: justify">Mesut zil proud to be a role model</h3> <p style="text-align: justify">The Arsenal FC star has praised the German national team and hailed it as an ideal example of successful integration, with players from different cultural backgrounds getting together for a common cause.</p> <p style="text-align: justify">Speaking to the <a href="http://www.arsenal.com/news/news-archive/20150812/ozil-i-m-proud-to-be-a-role-model" target="_blank">official Arsenal FC website</a> . , zil said: "Ia m very proud but our task is to play football. Integration is a difficult topic. The best example is the German national team because lots of people from other cultures come together and play with respect. Thata s how it should be in general life.</p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"> <p dir="ltr" lang="en">.<a href="https://twitter.com/MesutOzil1088">@MesutOzil1088</a> on being a role model back in Germany and the importance of multiculturalism: <a href="http://t.co/RTYztghew4">http://t.co/RTYztghew4</a> <a href="http://t.co/rG2RF5s3t5">pic.twitter.com/rG2RF5s3t5</a></p> a Arsenal FC (@Arsenal) <a href="https://twitter.com/Arsenal/status/631424107716956160">August 12, 2015</a></blockquote> <p style="text-align: justify">a You should be open with one another, you should treat each other with respect. If that happened, things would look different, also in general. Ia m the sort of person who can integrate quickly.</p> <p style="text-align: justify">"Ia m a normal person and people who know me know that Ia m quite quiet and just like doing my thing. That was the case here, with the German national team and in my youth.</p> <p style="text-align: justify">a For example, when I experienced things changing, like if I changed class at school, it wasna t the case that I would worry about how I would cope not knowing anyone, it was the opposite. I was and still am very open when I meet people."</p> <h3 style="text-align: justify">Modern football a very multicultural environment</h3> <p style="text-align: justify">Given the influx of foreign players in the English Premier League over the years - something that has undoubtedly helped increase its popularity exponentially - it would be safe to say that Premier League clubs are extremely multicultural, with players hailing from all parts of the world.</p> <p style="text-align: justify">Arsenal FC record signing Mesut zil - who joined the Gunners after a spell in Spain with Real Madrid - says that is certainly true of his current club.</p> <p style="text-align: justify">a It was like that at Arsenal too," the German international said. "When I joined the club, I knew some players from playing alongside them in the national team or at Werder Bremen. But in general, I enjoy being able to meet new people and experience new cultures.</p> <p style="text-align: justify">a I lived in Spain and got to know the wonderful culture and people there. Now Ia m in England, where Ia m learning the language and the culture.</p> <p style="text-align: justify">a I love what I do and Ia m thankful that football helps me develop myself by learning new languages and different cultures. Ia m proud of that.a <!--Article End--></p>