Real’s Ozil eager to follow in Zidane’s footsteps

Real Madrid’s latest signing Mesut Ozil said Thursday he wants to emulate his hero Zinedine Zidane and taste success with the Spanish giants.

The 21-year-old quit the Bundesliga for Real on Tuesday when he signed a deal estimated to be worth 18 million euros (23.2 million US dollars).

Real’s squad boasts the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo and Kaka, but the Spanish media have already dubbed him the ‘German Zidane’ and Ozil is flattered by the comparison with his French idol.

“The comparison is very flattering, but it suits me, because Zidane has always been a role model for me,” said Ozil.

“As a little boy, I would admire his tricks on TV and try to reproduce them on the pitch.”

The Real star Zidane retired in 2006 after being sent off in the World Cup final, but Ozil wants to walk in his footsteps by lifting the Champions League title.

Ozil has come to the Spanish capital to win more silverware, having already toured the Bernabeu Stadium and seen the Spanish giants’ impressive trophy collection.

“Whether it’s the championship or Champions League, we want to win everything,” said Ozil.

“The team has enormous potential. I moved to Madrid to pick up titles.

“We have a strong team, I’m hungry for success.”

Ozil says a major reason behind his decision to move to Real was the impression left on him by Madrid’s new coach.

“(It is) because of the manager Jose Mourinho,” he said.

“For me, he’s the best in the world and I wanted to work under him.

“The conversation with him was crucial. Mourinho wanted me, he made that clear. And this is why I’m at Real now.”

Ozil says he has no concerns about joining star-studded Real, where reputations count for nothing.

Stars like Arjen Robben and Wesley Sneijder were both sold by Real last year, but went on to dazzle for Bayern Munich and Inter Milan respectively, but Ozil says he has no worries about failing to impress in Madrid.

“I have competitive pressure at Werder and in the German national team,” he said.

“Real stands for world-class players like Ronaldo and Kaka, but I’m not afraid of them.”

Ozil will link up with fellow rising Germany star Sami Khedira.

“Before my move, I called him, he raved about Real. I am pleased that he is here.”