Mesut Ozil has dismissed speculation linking him with a move away from Real Madrid, making clear his resolution is to stay.
The German international had been increasingly linked this past week with a move away from the Santiago Bernabeu, in light of reportedly stalled contract negotiations and increased competition for places from Isco and potentially Gareth Bale.
Premier League teams Arsenal and Manchester United were both suggested as stepping up interest, with United earlier today reported as preparing a €50m offer.
Whilst Ozil appeared to indicate an unhappy state of mind with a poor reaction to being substituted by Carlo Ancelotti on Monday night at Granada, the 24-year-old has today made clear his commitment to Madrid.
“I have a contract here until 2016,” Ozil told reporters at a sponsorship event on Wednesday afternoon.
“I have a very good relationship with the team and it is an honour to play here as well.
“I want to win many things here. Whilst it has been reported in the Press that I have received interesting offers, I say that I have a contract with Madrid and I am staying here.
“I feel good, I have the confidence of the Coach and have goals to achieve.
“Each of us has a role to play in achieving our objectives and it is one of the reasons why I want to stay here.”
The playmaker was asked of life in Madrid and how often he saw his family.
“My friends and family come to visit very often. I like being with my family.
“They have supported me from the beginning and when I have free time I go to Germany to see them.”
Work this year with Los Blancos includes the chance for Ozil to train under assistant Coach Zinedine Zidane.
“Zidane has been my idol and now he is also part of the team that trains us. The first time I saw him in Madrid I was very nervous, he is an extraordinary person who supports us all.”
Madrid’s start to the season already has them five points better off than this stage last year.
“We are very happy because we have won both our games and we have six points.
“It is true that we have to improve our game, but there is time.”
