Mesut Ozil has hinted that he would be open to a return to Real Madrid in the future, saying he remembers his time with the Spanish giants fondly
The German spent 3 years with Los Blancos from 2010-2013, before joining Arsenal in a club-record £ 42.5million deal. Ozil made the decision to leave Real Madrid, as he felt he did not have the faith of then manager Carlo Ancelotti or the Real Madrid hierarchy.
Last week, reports emerged that Real Madrid were lining up both Ozil and Angel Di Maria for moves back to the club. Ozil has now responded to the reports of a return to madrid.
“I am very happy playing in such a big club like Arsenal, which has amazing fans and they also encourage me a lot. I am playing very well in London, but in football you never know … We’ll see what happens in the future.” he told Spanish publication Marca, which is often considered Real Madrid’s mouthpiece.
“The Real Madrid fans are very loyal and affectionate with me, and still encourage me. Many send me messages and ask me to come back, so I have only good memories from there.”
Ozil went on to praise Madrid manager Zinedine Zidane, revealing that the Frenchman was his idol growing up.
“Zidane was always my idol. I always watched him play when I was young, and I wanted to be like him.” he said.
“I think he is a great coach. He has won the Champions League in his first season, there is nothing bigger than that. I’m happy for him because he’s a great person and I always believed in its potential as a coach.”
Arsenal have been desperately trying to tie down the German World Cup Winner to a new contract, with Arsene Wenger urging the German to commit his future to Arsenal and cement a legacy like Dennis Bergkamp.
Ozil has been silent on the possibility of a new contract though, and it is difficult to gauge just how much one can read into his comments. His current contract only runs until 2018, so unless he signs an extension soon, it is difficult to see him playing at Arsenal past next season.
There is even a chance he could be sold this summer considering Arsenal could risk him leaving for free in two years. It is clear that Ozil still has fond memories of his time at Real Madrid, and given their recent success it is understandably difficult to see any player reject advances from the Spanish giants.
