0 Mesut Özil

“Be honest and sincere, then you will be rewarded.”

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Mesut Özil Q: We want to get to know you as a person. What did your grandparents do when they came to Germany from Turkey? A: My grandfather worked in a metals mine. But I don't like to talk about my family because I prefer to keep them in the background. Q: But your father was someone important for you in your career? A: Of course, he's always been at my side, even now. I'm very grateful to my family and friends. Q: Is it true that he was always on the sidelines giving you instructions in Turkish, which caused confusion? A: No, no. When I was a kid and didn't play well, he would point that out, even when other parents told me that I had played well. He was always sincere with me, and that helped me to learn a lot of things. Q: What is the best piece of advice he’s given you? A: To believe in myself. I’m a very religious person. I pray before games and that helps me. Q: What do your parents do? A: My father was self-employed and my mother a housewife. Q: Have they come with you to Madrid? A: No. Q: Did you feel different growing up in Germany because of your Turkish origins? A: Never. I’ve never felt hostility. I always had a lot of friends and I still have the same friends. Q: Did you think your childhood was difficult economically speaking? A: My childhood was great. I enjoyed it a lot. My family gave me everything I needed. Q: What did you do with your first big paycheck? A: It was in Schalke, I got my driver’s license and I bought a car, and I started helping out my family. Q: Do you consider yourself a shy person? A: No, but I am reserved. I’m a calm person, but when I’m around my friends I joke around and I could talk a lot. Q: What do you like about Madrid? A: I usually stay at home. I was surprised by how nice the people are and how many things there are to do. Q: What is your biggest defect? A: I don’t know. I enjoy my life and I’m grateful for what I have. I’m a happy person and I have everything, thanks to God. Q: Have you been able to play any of your rap songs in the locker room? A: Some players already heard them before. It was an idea from Nike, who sponsors me. Jan Delay is very well-known in Germany. Q: What songs do you like the best out of the ones played? A: I like hip hop, redmanblues. A city: Madrid [ok, he’s won me over.  I officially love him.] A color: white A car: Audi A drink: ice tea  An actor: Robert De Niro An actress: Angelina Jolie A movie: Karate Kid An artist: none A book: none A writer: none [ok, he’s not into literature or art?] An agent: James Bond (laughs).  Reza Fazeli, my representative. A meal: spaghetti A clothing brand: Nike An article of clothing: shoes A dream: health and a lot of success in my life A virtue: playing football A defect: I don’t head the ball well. A virtue in a woman: sincerity A virtue in a man: sincerity A destination: United States A woman’s name: none A man’s name: none A mode of transport: car A stadium: the Bernabéu A rival: Barcelona A politician: I prefer not to answer A sporting event: winning the Champions A historical event: the arrival of man on the moon A pastime: playing football with my family and my friends