Ozil reveals Barca dream

Posted Thursday, October 15, 2009 by PA

Werder Bremen's sought-after midfielder Mesut Ozil has revealed it would be his dream to one day join Barcelona.

The 20-year-old Germany international's comments are likely to draw the attention of the Catalan club with a number of high-profile European teams reportedly interested in securing his services.

"I have been a fan of Barcelona ever since I was a little boy," he told Bild. "I can't describe what it is, but the team just fascinates me. They have always had world-class players such as Rivaldo and [Luis] Figo in their team."

While Ozil admits he would one day like to join Barca he believes he still has to serve his apprenticeship at Bremen, where he has a contract until the summer of 2011, before such a move could materialise.

"Nevertheless, Barcelona are not an option for me at the moment," he added. "Wearing the Barca jersey is a dream, but I still have a lot to learn and I have to work hard before I'm ready for it.

"Bayern Munich is not an option for me. I don't even think about something like that at the moment. I'm really happy at Werder Bremen and still have plenty of things to achieve here."

Bremen sporting director Klaus Allofs admitted earlier this week the club were unlikely to keep hold of their young playmaker with negotiations over a new five-year deal having reportedly stalled in recent weeks.

Those negotiations are set to resume again in the new year, but should Bremen fail to strike a deal Ozil could be on his way out of the club as early as next summer.

"We want to keep a player like Mesut," Allofs told Bild. "The past has shown that we do not always hold on to players but we hope it will be different."