Mesut Özil: 'I feel physically better than ever'

Published: 26 March, 2015
by STEVE BARNETT

NOT only does Mesut Özil believe that his best is yet to come, but according to reports this week it’s just a matter of time before he gets his hands on the Ballon d’Or. 

The Germany international is adamant that the bruising nature of the Premier League will help him to become the best player in the world, adding that criticism from pundits gives him “an extra push” to do better. 

An injury-hit campaign has restricted Özil to just 22 appearances in all competitions, during which time he’s netted four goals. 

But Özil now “feels physically better than ever” and is ready to follow in the footsteps of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. 

“If I continue to develop well and stay healthy, I would like, in the next few years, to hold the Ballon d’Or in my hands,” he told Sport Bild. 

“I am convinced that it can happen. I’m feeling very positive. 

“I’m a world champion and I play at a top club in the Premier League. There is much more of a physical test here than there is in Spain or in the Bundesliga. I constantly have bruises, but that makes me harder. I feel physically better than ever.” 

Former Manchester United midfielder Paul Scholes recently hit out at Özil, saying that moving to the Emirates was the “easy option” for the German. 

He also criticised Özil for swapping shirts at half time during Arsenal’s recent win away in Monaco. 

But the player took the remarks in his stride, adding that they will only serve to make him better. 

“He’s entitled to say that,” said Özil. “He wants to polarise as a pundit on TV. But in the end, such statements only give me an extra push.”