Ozil staying put – for now
German midfielder Mesut Ozil, one of the brightest young stars of the recent FIFA World Cup, has admitted he is enticed by the prospect of playing in the English Premier League next season.
But the playmaker also insisted that he is no particular rush to leave his current club, Bundesliga side Werder Bremen.
Ozil starred for the German team in the World Cup in South Africa. His mobility in attack and creativity on the ball held the key to Germany’s quick counter-attacks.
Ozil scored one goal and noted three assists in the tournament, setting up Germany’s final goal in its 4–1 triumph over England in the round of sixteen, among others.
His only goal of the tournament came against Ghana in the last game of the group stage. Ozil collected the ball on the edge of the box, let it drop once and fired a a thumping shot into the left hand corner, proving his fine finishing ability to the global audience.
He was among the 10 players nominated for FIFA’s Golden Ball, awarded to the best player of the tournament.
Courted by clubs after Cup
On the back of his strong World Cup performance, several clubs began expressing their interest in Ozil’s services.
It had been reported that English clubs Tottenham, Manchester United and Arsenal were looking to sign the midfielder.
Spanish champions Barcelona have also been said to be interested in him.
But Ozil, who has not renewed his contract with Werder Bremen, recently declared his intention to see out the remaining 12 months of his contract.
”Many people extend their contracts long-term for better conditions, but two weeks later they want to leave,” he told the Daily Star Sunday.
“I have never done that but have rather always respected my contract and been happy to fulfil it. Why should now be any different? My situation for the next 12 months is clear,” he added.
Clearly intending to honour his contract with Bremen, for whom he scored nine goals in 31 appearances last season, Ozil has also opened the door for a move abroad after his contract expires.
Only the best clubs good Enough
Specifically, Ozil has declared his interest in playing for the very top clubs in Spain’s La Liga and the English Premier League, casting doubts over whether he would consider an offer from Arsenal or Tottenham.
Both clubs have finished outside the league’s top two in recent years.
”When you're looking at club teams it's impossible not to pay attention to the Premier League,” Ozil explained.
”And [it's] even more impossible not to pay attention to Manchester United and Chelsea.”
”Of course, clubs like Real Madrid and Barcelona are of huge interest,” he continued, apparently not ruling out a move to La Liga.
But Ozil also said that he would let the final decision regarding his departure be made by his club.
Bremen to Cash In?
Bremen may decide to let Ozil go during the month of August for economic reasons, as the midfielder's price will inevitably drop as he approaches the end of his contract in June 2011.
In a worst case scenario for the club, Ozil would see out his contract and leave the club as a free agent with no transfer fee. This would mean a net loss for the club, who paid €4.3 million for Ozil in 2008.
”[Bremen] may decide to keep me for another season,” said Ozil, whose inventiveness in midfield has filled the creative gap left by Brazilian playmaker Diego Ribas da Cunha, who left Bremen in 2009 to play for Italian club Juventus.
”Otherwise they can choose to sell me this summer to get money for me. It's up to the club.”
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