Mesut Özil reacts to Dennis Bergkamp comparisons | OneFootball

Mesut Özil is flattered by comparisons to Arsenal legend Dennis Bergkamp but believes he has his own style.

Özil scored on his 200th appearance for the Gunners in Saturday’s 2-1 away at Newcastle, taking his tally to 38 goals for the club.

And afterwards, the former German international took the time to thank the fans for their support during his five years at the Emirates Stadium.

“The fans have backed me ever since I arrived five years ago and because of that, I’ve been able to play in my preferred style,” he told the club’s official website.

“I always want to control the game, give assists and help my team. It was like that with me from the start. In my position you have many possibilities playing forward. You can demand the balls, make telling passes or score yourself.

“I’ve been told so many times over the years that this is how Bergkamp played. Of course that makes me proud and it is an honour to be compared with him. Bergkamp is a living legend at Arsenal and he was an amazing football player.

“But I do not want to compare myself with anybody. I have my own style and I’ve had it since I was a kid. I am proud of these comparisons, but I am Mesut Ozil and I’m not finished yet.”

As well as his goals, Özil has now racked up 71 assists in an Arsenal shirt, and he says he actually gets more enjoyment out of providing for others than he does scoring himself.

“Most kids only enjoy scoring goals but ever since I was young, I’ve always loved to give assists,” he said.

“Why? It’s simple really. Through giving an assist, your friend can score and you help your team. Whenever I receive the ball, I always think offensively so I can pick out chances to score a goal or assist someone. That’s why it’s normal for me to always get the ball and play it forwards.

“In my opinion, a creative player should always have fun on the pitch and should trust their playing style in order to help the team. I’ve been playing this way my whole life, which is why I still enjoy giving my team-mates assists to this day.”