Mesut Ozil in Turkey : Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho is like a father to us

Real Madrid’s German international Turkish player Mesut Ozil praised his Portuguese coach, whome he regards as a father figure and admitted he wishes Turkey and Germany play in the finals of any competition.

Istanbul / NationalTurk – Real Madrid star midfielder Mesut Ozil visits his homeland Turkey. After having visited the village in nortern Turkey town Zonguldak where his family resides, Ozil came to Istanbul.

Speaking in an exclusive interview with Turkey’s leading sports channel NTVSpor, Mesut Ozil expressed his joy of being in Turkey and his visit of family and childhood friends in his fatherland. The Real Madrid star with dual nationalities in Turkish and German said he absolutely enjoys being in the beautiful city of Istanbul.

Mesut Ozil : I am close to my Turkish teammates and other Turkish players in La Liga

After revealing his close friendship and good relationships with fellow teammates Nuri Sahin, Hamit Altintop and Arda Turan, who plays for city rivals Atletico Madrid, Mesut Ozil praised his coach Jose Mourinho and admitted he was influenced by him at Real Madrid. The 23-year-old professed that he looks up to the former Chelsea and Inter boss in a paternal manner.

Mesut Ozil : Mourinho is like a father to Real Madrid players, incl. me

“Mourinho is [like] a father to me, to us all” said Mesut Ozil. “He is a great mentor, a strong character and a caring coach to all of his players.”

“I have good relationships with Turkish team-mates Arda Turan, Hamit Altintop and Nuri Sahin,” he continued. “I knew Hamit from my Schalke days. He’s like a elder brother.

“I had great days in Turkey. Seeing my relatives and friends was great.”

Mesut Ozil : Turkey vs Germany would be my dream finals

Mesut Ozil also confessed that he was not comfortable with facing Turkey in the Euro 2012 qualifiers earlier this year, and that in an ideal world, both teams would progress into the finals of the tournament in Poland and Ukraine.

Mesut Ozil also revealed his dream finals at Euro 2012:

“I didn’t want a match in Euro 2012 qualification with Turkey,” he revealed. “My wish was both teams featuring in the Euro 2012 finals.”

The attacking midfielder then concluded by discussing his aspirations for next year, which include lifting trophies for both Real Madrid and Germany, while dismissing the Clasico defeat to Barcelona a fortnight ago and underlining Real Madrid’s 3 point lead over Barcelona.

“I want to win trophies with both Real Madrid and Germany and  in 2012,” expressed Mesut Ozil. “We were unluck, had bad luck against Barcelona, but we are leaders in La Liga now, and we are three points clear.”