Arsenal midfielder, Mesut Ozil says he is delighted to be seen as an example for the next generation of multi-cultural German footballers to emulate.
The 26-year-old who was born in Gelsenkirchen to Turkish parents had from a tender age mixed up with people from different cultures and has taken those experiences with him into his football profession.
Having played in the top tiers in Germany, Spain and now in England, the 2014 World Cup winner stated that he has enjoyed learning many languages and other aspects of diverse cultures. He implores players of the younger generation to take after him.
“I’m very proud but our task is to play football,” he told Arsenal Player. “Integration is a difficult topic.
"The best example is the German national team because lots of people from other cultures come together and play with respect. That’s how it should be in general life.
“You should be open with one another, you should treat each other with respect. If that happened, things would look different, also in general.
“I’m the sort of person who can integrate quickly. I’m a normal person and people who know me know that I’m quite quiet and just like doing my thing.
"That was the case here, with the German national team and in my youth.
“For example, when I experienced things changing, like if I changed class at school, it wasn’t the case that I would worry about how I would cope not knowing anyone, it was the opposite.
"I was and still am very open when I meet people.
“It was like that at Arsenal too. When I joined the club, I knew some players from playing alongside them in the national team or at Werder Bremen. But in general, I enjoy being able to meet new people and experience new cultures.
“I lived in Spain and got to know the wonderful culture and people there. Now I’m in England, where I’m learning the language and the culture.
“I love what I do and I’m thankful that football helps me develop myself by learning new languages and different cultures. I’m proud of that.”
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