Ozil wants to end career at Real Madrid

Real Madrid player Mesut Ozil is loving it at the club, and hopes to stay until the end of his career.

Talking to German magazine Kicker recently, Ozil spoke about how playing for Real Madrid boss Jose Mourinho has made him a better footballer.

"Mourinho builds my confidence and I've become a more intelligent player on the pitch thanks to him." he said.

"I'm very grateful to him for helping me recover my potential. He speaks to me often and supports me. He shows me I'm an important player for him on this team."

Being only 24 years of age, Ozil is aware that he still has a long playing career ahead of him. However, he feels strongly for the Los Blancos and believes he will be a mainstay at the club.

"I'd like to end my career at Real Madrid. I know it will be difficult because I have many more years ahead of me and many younger and good players will also be out there, but I want to be part of that future." the German shared.

"I know what I'm capable of and I'm convinced I'll stay at Real Madrid many years."

Despite Real Madrid leading La Liga with seven points, Ozil refused to declare the title race over, preferring instead for his team to stay focused.

"A seven-point lead may seem large, but it could disappear with only two mishaps. We must concentrate on playing well. Barcelona won't catch up with us if we keep up the good work."

The Los Blancos number 10 understands the pressure of playing for the club, making use of the expectation to push himself further.

"This is the number 1 team in Spain. You are criticised quickly when you play for Real Madrid, even when you play at a decent level. I've learned from that to become stronger."

Real Madrid will hope to maintain their advantage over title rivals Barcelona as they travel to Getafe this weekend.

One team who have fared slightly better than Real against Barcelona this season are Getafe, the only team to inflict a defeat on them this season.

"That day I got the most congratulations of my life - not from Getafe fans, but Real Madrid," coach Luis Garcia told AS.

"I went down the street and people gave me congratulations. I asked people if they were Getafe fans and most, if not all, said, 'No, I'm from Madrid, but thanks man'."

Garcia has huge admiration for Madrid's achievements this season.

"What Real Madrid have done this year is crazy," he said. "Their record of points, goals...

"Madrid are a formidable team, but can they can be beaten."