Özil: I’ve changed a few things in my life this past year, for example my diet and my training. That helps me to regenerate fast after games and it reduces the chance of getting injured. And obviously you can’t lose the love for the game. But that’s not going to be the case for me (laughs).
DFB.de: You’ve received this award five times now – what does it mean to you?
Özil: The award itself isn’t that important to me, if I can say it like that. But the fact that so many fans register online to give me their vote is something that makes me proud. And for that I want to thank all the fans out there.
DFB.de: Will you defend your title again in 2017?
Özil: We will see. I will definitely not give up without putting up a fight (laughs).
Mesut Özil has been named Germany’s Player of the Year for the fifth time. The World Cup winner claimed 54.5% of the 316,850 votes to claim the 2016 edition of the prize.
Toni Kroos came in second place with 33.9%, followed by Jonas Hector in third (4%).
DFB.de spoke with the Arsenal midfielder on his year 2016, maintaining consistency at such a high level and receiving the award.
DFB.de: Mr. Özil, congratulations on winning this award. Would you agree that this past year has been a very good one for you?
Mesut Özil: Thank you, obviously I was very happy to have received this award. I’ve simply arrived in the Premier League since last season. I’ve remained injury-free for the most part and I feel very comfortable in London now as well.
DFB.de: How would you rate your performances with the national team in 2016?
Özil: My highlight was the game against Italy at the EUROs – I definitely enjoy thinking back on my goal. But we didn’t reach our target, which was to win the European Championships. We wanted to win our semi-final against France, but didn’t accomplish it. On the other hand, we were able to phase-in a transition with many young players, which is important in regard to the World Cup where we will try to defend our title. As one of the more experienced players in the team, I try to pass on advice to the younger players. Even if I’m not the most vocal player on the pitch, my voice is heard in the team. And I try to help our younger players every day.
DFB.de: How difficult is it, to maintain consistency when you play at such a high level as yourself?
Özil: I’ve changed a few things in my life this past year, for example my diet and my training. That helps me to regenerate fast after games and it reduces the chance of getting injured. And obviously you can’t lose the love for the game. But that’s not going to be the case for me (laughs).
DFB.de: You’ve received this award five times now – what does it mean to you?
Özil: The award itself isn’t that important to me, if I can say it like that. But the fact that so many fans register online to give me their vote is something that makes me proud. And for that I want to thank all the fans out there.
DFB.de: Will you defend your title again in 2017?
Özil: We will see. I will definitely not give up without putting up a fight (laughs).
