Mesut Ozil Was Wanted By Five European Clubs After The 2010 World Cup

Not only has Mesut Ozil detailed the explosive bust-up with Jose Mourinho during his Real Madrid days, but he's also revealed how a host of top European clubs were vying for his signature.

All these stories are pulled from his impending autobiography titled 'The Magic of the Game.' Though German outlet Bild have been churning out extracts.

And following the 2010 World Cup, Real Madrid, Barcelona, Manchester United, Bayern Munich and Arsenal were all keen on snapping up the-then Werder Bremen star.

_{(Ozil inflicting misery on England during their game in the 2010 World Cup)}

Germany ultimately came third in the 2010 footballing extravaganza but Ozil showcased his undeniable talents alerting a number of clubs, while admitting Barcelona as his initial ideal destination.

"Five clubs came to me after the 2010 World Cup in South Africa. Arsenal were already interested. Manchester United and Bayern Munich as well as Barcelona and Real Madrid."

(Parlour gets merky with grime artist Stormzy:)

Until he met Pep Guardiola, well, the lack of him swayed his decision.

"I visited Barcelona personally and I was convinced to go there. Everything clearly pointed in this direction. No team in the world played more beautiful football at this time."

"But the absence of Pep Guardiola made me think again. When my agent and I flew back from Barcelona, I asked him again and again, 'Why was the coach not there?' His answer was always the same: 'He was on vacation'.

_{(Ozil doing bits for Werder Bremen in 2009)}

"Guardiola did not call me in the following days either. He did not even send an SMS. He did not send me a signal that he wanted me. As a result, my enthusiasm for Barcelona steadily declined."

"Because of Guardiola's behavior, I did not want to go to Barcelona. Especially because Mourinho fought so much at the same time. He was so convincing. So heartfelt. Trying so hard. He was the complete opposite of the Barca coach. So I decided for Jose Mourinho and Real Madrid."

Barca's arch rivals Real Madrid eventually secured his services signing the budding youngster for a measly £13 million before selling him for £37.4 million to Arsenal in 2013.

Topics: Mesut Ozil, Arsenal, Real Madrid

Nasir Jabbar

Nasir Jabbar is a journalist at SPORTbible. He graduated from Bath Spa University with a BA in Media Communications. He's a combat sport aficionado, and has contributed to MMA websites AddictedMMA and CagePotato. Nasir has covered some of the biggest fights, while interviewing the likes of Conor McGregor, Michael Bisping and Anthony Joshua. He's also an avid Bristol City fan.

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