Former Arsenal midfielder, Mesut Ozil, has named AS Roma boss, Jose Mourinho, as the manager that convinced him to join Real Madrid over Barcelona many years ago.

Ozil said Mourinho’s attitude in showing him some of the most beautiful places at Real Madrid convinced him to join Los Blancos over Barca.

The former Germany international, who recently announced his retirement from football, joined Real Madrid in the summer of 2010 from Werder Bremen.

Speaking to Marca, Ozil said:

“It was a decision between Real Madrid and Barcelona. And in the end, it wasn’t a matter of money.

“I don’t know if this is known, but I visited Madrid and Barcelona at that time and the difference was Jose Mourinho. Mou [Mourinho] gave me a VIP visit to Real Madrid.

“He took me to see the stadium and all the trophies they had won. That gave me goosebumps.

“The visit to Barcelona was less enthusiastic and what was more disappointing is that Pep Guardiola didn’t bother to meet me.”

Ozil added: “So Jose Mourinho was without a doubt the most important factor in my decision. After my visits, my decision was 100% clear: I wanted to be a Madridista.”

Ozil eventually left Real Madrid to join Premier League giants Arsenal in 2013.

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