MESUT OZIL has revealed he had an offer to join Manchester United before moving to Real Madrid – and admits his heart was originally set on Barcelona.
The Arsenal superstar has a new book coming out in Germany this month titled The Magic of Football.
Ozil has used it to detail a number of brilliant encounters and thrilling incidents, including a FURIOUS bust-up with former Real manager Jose Mourinho.
But the Germany international also claims to have attracted interest from some of Europe’s biggest clubs before moving to Santiago Bernabeu from Werder Bremen in 2010.
Ozil names current club Arsenal as one of those who tried and failed to secure his signature, as well as Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich.
But Manchester United were also snubbed in favour of a Spanish switch, with Ozil explaining that Barcelona was his first choice before Pep Guardiola’s subdued manner blew the deal.
He said via Bild: “Arsenal were interested in signing me after the 2010 World Cup, as were Manchester United, Bayern Munich, Barcelona and Real Madrid.
“My agent sat down with Bayern to discuss a move. The club told him about their plans with me and how they intended to use me. He had similar talks with the other clubs that wanted me.
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“Before I travelled to Barcelona, I was convinced that was my next club. I was leaning toward Barcelona. There was no team in the world that played more beautiful football.
“But Guardiola did not attend talks and he did not call me either the days after. He did not even send me a text.
“He did now show me that he wanted to sign me as well. My interest in a move to Barcelona quickly decreased.”
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