For a period, there was no better playmaker in world football than Mesut Ozil. After impressing at Werder Bremen, he earned a big-money move to Real Madrid and later joined Arsenal, proving to be a true 'assist king' as he won major honours with the two European giants.
With the DFB-Pokal, a La Liga title, a Copa del Rey win, and four FA Cups under his belt, the best moment of his career came in 2014 as he won the World Cup in Brazil with Germany. The five-time national team Player of the Year was a key part of that team, starting every game across the tournament.
For many, he ranks among the best passers in football history, making Ozil a legend of the modern era. There was, however, one Englishman who really impressed the German over the years.
Ozil Was Impressed by 120-Cap England Hero
Mesut Ozil
Across his career, Ozil took on Manchester United 14 times. Those encounters appeared to help him form a strong respect for Wayne Rooney. The iconic Englishman scored 53 goals in 120 games for the Three Lions, having also won five Premier League titles during his time at Old Trafford.
He left a big impression on Ozil, who referred to Rooney as 'as one of the best' ever in English football history when he decided to retire in 2021. Indeed, the German posted a picture of himself and his former rival, with the caption:
"Congrats on your incredible football career Wayne Rooney! You will always be remembered as one of the best in English football history. Good luck on your new chapter."
That wasn't the only time he praised the former Man Utd ace either, as he also later wrote online: “One of the greatest players in Premier League history and English national team.
“He’s been world-class at his peak. And I think he will be a great coach as well!”
Wayne Rooney Wanted Ozil at Man Utd
Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson and Wayne Rooney
It turns out, the feeling was mutual as Rooney once even suggested Manchester United sign the German icon. Perhaps unsurprisingly, it didn't go down too well with manager Sir Alex Ferguson, who didn't like being told what to do. The iconic coach may have regretted that, but he didn't let that show as he recalled the incident in his autobiography:
"Wayne said that we should have pursued Mesut Ozil, who had joined Real Madrid from Werder Bremen. My reply was that it was none of his business who we should have gone for.
"I told him it was his job to play and perform. My job was to pick the correct teams. And so far I had been getting it right.
"Well, he was not on our radar at the time. Ozil when at Werder Bremen played wide right, then towards the end of the season played him off the front. He went to South Africa and did very well. But wasn't on our radar. But I explained to Wayne and we get most of our decisions right."
It certainly would have been exciting to see Ozil share the pitch with Rooney at Old Trafford, but Arsenal fans will be delighted that Ferguson was too stubborn to take on Rooney's advice.