Mesut Ozil birthday: 5 interesting facts about Arsenal's playmaker

Mesut Ozil, who was born in Germany to Turkish-origin parents and lifted the World Cup in 2014.

Mesut Ozil is a third-generation Turkish-German. He says, 'My technique and feeling for the ball is the Turkish side to my game. The discipline, attitude and always-give-your-all is the German part.” | (File | AP) 

Mesut Ozil has 52 assists from 167 Premier League games. (Photo | AP)

Arsenal's Mesut Ozil has scored 36 goals in 167 Premier League matches. (Photo | AP)

Mesut Ozil has been nicknamed 'Der Rabe', 'Der Neue Diego', 'German Messi' and 'German Zidane' referring to his style of play. (File | AP)

Mesut Ozil has worn many numbers throughout his club career. At Real Madrid, he started with number 26 during pre-season and debuted with 19. He later wore number 23 and number 10 for the Galácticos. At Arsenal, he has worn number 11 for five seasons before taking over the number 10 shirt this season. (Photo | AFP)