Real Madrid

Mesut performed well at the 2010 FIFA World Cup, so well in fact that he was noticed as one of Europe’s biggest talents and also one of the profiles at the World Cup. Attention which provided a long list of rumours. A day didn’t go by without Mesut linked to a new club. A list that included major clubs like Manchester United, Arsenal FC and even FC Barcelona was mentioned. Some of these stories were old news, Manchester United was already mentioned when he switched to Werder Bremen, sources claiming Manchester United finding Mesut too expensive at that time. Also Arsenal had been mentioned before, there had been stories that Mesut was a transfer target at Arsenal way before the World Cup and was sought out to be the replacement of Cesc Fabregas, who was linked to Barcelona. However suddenly Mesut’s own name was linked to Barcelona and at one time a report claimed that it was done deal. But Werder Bremen denied the report and instead they announced on 17 August 2010 that they had reached an agreement with Real Madrid. It is believed that the transfer fee was around €15 million.

Mesut had his debut in a friendly match against Hércules, which Real Madrid won 3-1. He didn’t have his own jersey number until Real Madrid sold Rafel Van der Vaart, and he was given his now vacant number 23.
He had his La Liga debut as a substitute for Angel Di Maria in the 62nd minute against Real Mallorca, which ended 0-0. And later he had his Champions League season debut against Ajax. A match where Mesut also got his first assist in Real Madrid, when he in the 74th minute crossed in the ball, resulting in a goal by Higuaín. He might have been sought out to be a back-up for teammate Kaka, but since Kaka was injuried, Mesut quickly obtained a starting role. He scored his first La Liga goal against Deportivo La Coruna on 3 october 2010, in a 6-1 victory. And his first Champions League goal with the Whites came in the 14th minute against AC Milan on 19 October 2010. On 22 December he made his debut in Copa del Rey, scoring once in a 8–0 victory over Levante.

Mesut’s performances for Real Madrid in the first season, was praised by media, fans and players. And he finished the 2010–11 season with Madrid with 25 assists, the highest for any player in any major European competition that season. He scored his first goal against Barcelona in the first leg of the 2011 Supercopa de España, 14 August 2011. And he ended the second leg by being sent off in the last minute after an altercation with David Villa.
In the second season (2011-12) he was given the number 10 jersey, signaling he’s no longer a thought of as a backup but seen as the main playmaker. The number 10 comes with more pressure and he has struggled to find the same level as the year before. But since January 2012 he seems to be back at the level expected of him. Aitor Karanka said after the match against Zaragoza that “Özil showcased his quality. He’s back in top form and must keep this up.” Mesut then followed up on Karanka’s statement by revealing that he wished for the Bernabeu to remain his home until retirement.

So far the story ends here.