Recent criticism of Mesut Ozil at Arsenal has centred around his cowardice and knack for disappearing at crucial times.
It seems this stereotypical view of the German was once thought of by Jose Mourinho during their time together at Real Madrid with the Portuguese manager said to have labelled the languid playmaker a coward, as perIndependent.
This is all according to Ozil's autobiography entitled,Die Magie des Spiels (The Magic of the Game), which is currently being serialised by popular German newspaper Bild before release.
In the book, German recites an unspecified fixture when Mourinho really let rip, telling him:You think two beautiful passes are enough. You think you're so good that fifty percent is enough.�
Ozil then writes: He pauses. Stares at me with his dark brown eyes. I stare back,� Özil writes. Like two boxers at the stare-down before the first round. He shows no emotion. Just waits for a response from me. How much I hate him right now. And I love Mourinho actually."
The German international then claims to have hurled his shirt at Mourinho, who then duly reacted by saying: Oh, are you giving up now? You're such a coward.
What do you want? To creep under the beautiful, warm shower? Shampoo your hair? To be alone? Or do you want to prove to your fellow players, the fans out there, and me, what you can do.�
The duo experienced limited success during their time together at Madrid, winning one La Liga title and one Copa Del Rey.
However, the most poignant aspect of this altercation is how eerily reminiscentit is of the current opinion of Ozil held by Arsenal fans. The £42.5m man's natural demeanour just seems to upset people.