Mahdavikia: I advised Ozil to join Germany

MNA – TEHRAN, Mehdi Mahdavikia said that he had recommended to German footballer Mesut Ozil to join the German team.

Ozil, who is of Turkish lineage, played on the German team in the 2010 FIFA World Cup and scored a sole goal against Ghana in the group stage.

“Ozil and I had the same agent in Bundesliga and he asked me whether to choose Turkey or Germany and I told him Germany was a better choice,” the former Hamburg winger said.

Asked about North Korea’s performance in the World Cup, he said, “They experienced an up-and-down performance in the event. North Korea did a pretty good job against Brazil, but had a poor performance against Portugal.”

“I think the other Asian teams showed a good display in South Africa,” the Steel Azin player added.

Mahdavikia who received an autographed shirt from Jairzinho, concluded, “I am so happy that the former Brazil striker knew me. I am proud of that.”