Arsenal midfielder Mesut Ozil: 'I still speak to Zinedine Zidane'

By Darren Plant, Senior Reporter | 02 December 2017

Arsenal midfielder Mesut Ozil says that he still speaks to Real Madrid boss Zinedine Zidane, with the pair having met due to their association with the Spanish side.

Arsenal midfielder Mesut Ozil has revealed his admiration for Zinedine Zidane, saying that he remains in touch with the Real Madrid boss.

Between 2010 and 2013, Ozil made 143 appearances for the Spanish giants at a time between when Zidane had ended his playing career at the Bernabeu before eventually taking up a coaching role with the club.

Ozil has admitted that Zidane had been one of his idols during the early stages of his career, and the German international has revealed that he was nervous when first crossing paths with the France legend.

The 29-year-old told FootballMgzn: "The way he interpreted and directed his game has fascinated me and still fascinates me. His technique and his creativity were outstanding. As a youth player I wanted to be like him.

"When I got to Real Madrid and met him, my hands were sweating and I was nervous, but Zidane was very kind and positive. We still have contact from time to time."

Ozil is currently being linked with a move away from Arsenal, with the likes of Manchester United, Barcelona and Inter Milan all said to hold an interest in his signature.