MESUT OZIL has revealed that he was forced out of Real Madrid after conflict arose between club president Florentino Perez and his father.
The former Germany international, 34, announced his retirement from professional football earlier this week.
PAOzil cried after leaving Real Madrid for Arsenal[/caption]
He enjoyed a trophy-laden career after bursting onto the scene with Schalke in 2006.
And his impressive performances at the 2010 World Cup earned him a £13million move from Werder Bremen to Real Madrid.
Ozil won several trophies with Los Blancos, including one La Liga title, a Copa Del Rey and a Spanish Super Cup.
But the midfielder recently admitted that he was forced out of the Santiago Bernabeu after his agent, and father, fell out with Real Madrid president Perez.
He told Spanish outlet Marca: “I was very sad when I left Madrid. I remember that at the airport.
“I had a great time for three years at Real Madrid and in this city. I was really happy.
“But things happened. Suddenly, at the beginning of that season, I no longer had many playing minutes and a conflict arose between Mr. Florentino Pérez and my father and agent.
“We had to look for a new club. It was hard for me.
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“The moment the plane took off and took off, tears fell from my eyes. That was the moment I realised it was over.”
He added: “At that time it seemed good to me, because after the conflict between my father and Mr. Pérez I was worried that I would not have playing minutes again if I did not leave.
“So it’s hard to say. But of course, I wish we could have handled the situation at that time differently.”
After leaving Real Madrid, Ozil joined Arsenal in a £42.5million transfer on deadline day in summer 2013.
He lifted four FA Cups with the Gunners and established himself as one of the Premier League’s most talented midfielders.
But after falling out-of-favour at the Emirates Stadium, he joined Fenerbahce on a free transfer in January 2021 – six months before his contract was due to expire.
He failed to hit the same heights that he did during his time in the Premier League.
And his contract was terminated 18 months later as a result.
Last summer he signed for Istanbul Basaksehir on another free transfer, but he cut ties with the club earlier this week before publicly announcing his retirement.