Mesut Ozil Talks About Islam: That's My Religion, I'm Proud Of It

 

Mesut Ozil Talks About Islam: That's My Religion, I'm Proud Of It

Mesut Ozil, last week visited Indonesia. On his first visit, this Turkish-born German player carried out several agendas, including attending Friday prayers in congregation at the Istiqlal mosque. In addition, Ozil was also invited by several local media to attend an exclusive interview session.

In interviews, Ozil received various questions about himself, ranging from a career in football, family, to life as a Muslim in Europe. As is known, Ozil is one of the many footballers who have successfully pursued a career in Europe along with many other popular names such as Karim Benzema (Real Madrid), Mohammed Salah (Liverpool), and several other players.

When a Metro TV reporter showed his photo with a prayer gesture and asked the meaning of the photo, Ozil replied, “That's me and my religion. I have always kept my religion, as well as the direction of my life. It's about the life I live and I'm proud of it."

Mesut Ozil is indeed known as a Muslim player who openly shows his religious identity, such as praying before a game, and he is often vocal in defending the rights of Palestinians who are oppressed by Israel.

Next, the journalist showed a photo of Ozil with his family, he said, “Family, wife and children, I am very proud of them. At the end of your long journey, you will find the right person, and my wife is that person. I thank God for having such a beautiful child and I am proud of my family.”

When asked about cars, he admitted that he used to like sports cars , but after he got married he preferred a family car , of course because it is more comfortable to use for traveling with family.

Although his career as a footballer was fairly successful, Ozil remained humble. When asked, “How do you want to be remembered? Do you want to be remembered as the King of Assists (a term in football for a pass to a teammate that results in a goal)?” he replied, “I want to be remembered as a good person. That is it."

He also considered that his success was not solely the fruit of his hard work.

“Since when did you realize the talent you have? Or, do you believe that it was a gift from God?” Ask a reporter for CNN Indonesia .

“Of course, it is a gift from God. I realized that talent when I was about 14 or 15 years old.” Ozil replied. In his eyes, success is not only obtained with talent without hard work or vice versa hard work without talent, but a combination of talent and hard work.

One of the challenges he often faces is when the training schedule and matches continue to take place when entering the month of Ramadan. However, for him it is not a problem. According to him, as long as someone is willing to try to balance professionalism in his career and obligations as a religious follower, he will be able to do it.