Oezil proud to pass Netzer mark

Real Madrid midfielder Mesut Oezil was delighted to surpass Germany legend Gunter Netzer’s mark of 100 appearances for the club.

The 23-year-old also commented on his constant presence in Jose Mourinho’s starting line-up this season, and said he was proud to hold a place in a team laden with so many high-quaity players.

“Gunter Netzer was a great player, who everyone at Real Madrid still respects,” Oezil told Kicker.

“Therefore, I am honoured to have played as many games as he did with the club. Such comparisons are secondary to me though as I’m more concerned with my performance on the pitch.”

Oezil said Real’s disappointing loss to Bayern Munich in the Champions League semi-final had been a motivational factor in helping them clinch the La Liga title.

“We had no time to think about the loss, we immediately had to focus on the league. I’ll never forget this championship and the celebrations afterwards. We’ve been rewarded for a year of hard work,” Oezil said.

The Germany international was questioned on how he’s fought off competition from the likes of Kaka and Angel Di Maria for a place in Mourinho’s team.

“We are a team that consists not only of 11 players, but many more. I do not fight against other players, I try to play my best for Real. I’ve played in 34 out of the 37 league matches, and I’m happy with that. It makes me proud,” he said.

The attacking midfielder has made 104 appearances for Madrid since joining the club from Werder Bremen in 2010.