I rang Wenger to get me out of Madrid, but Jose was astonished by my move to Arsenal

In August 2013, a dispute between Real Madrid president Florentino Perez and Ozil’s father over a new contract for Ozil escalated to such an extent that the player was dropped from the team. In addition, with Jose Mourinho having been replaced by Carlo Ancelotti, Ozil was less sure of his future. As such, he picked up the phone …. I CALLED a number that I’d saved in my phone back in 2010.

‘Mr Wenger,’ I said, ‘I promised that you’d be the first person I’d contact if I were ever looking for another club. Now I am.’

Arsene Wenger told me that he had been keeping an eye on me the whole time and that he liked how I’d developed. And all of a sudden I had that positive feeling again, the one I’d had during our telephone conversation back in 2010.

I sensed that this man, who I’d never met personally, had a very high opinion of me and trusted me. Exactly what I needed at this difficult time.

Of course, I’d hoped that Florentino Perez would back down and not punish me for the argument between him and my father. That he’d approach me again. But he didn’t. The relationship had cooled.

I contacted another club because it seemed to be the only possible way out. Time was flying. There were thousands of things to sort out if I were to actually move to London. Was I sure that’s what I wanted? That this was what would make me happy?

Jose Mourinho was astonished [by the move]. ‘You didn’t say anything to me. I thought you wanted to finish your career at Real Madrid,’ he texted me.