Mesut Ozil has admitted working under Jose Mourinho was key to his decision to join Real Madrid. The Germany playmaker agreed to move to the Bernabeu from Werder Bremen earlier this week for a reported fee of €15m, and was presented in the Spanish capital today.

And despite press speculation linking Ozil with a move to Barcelona, he revealed Los Merengues were the only club in his thoughts.

"There was no other option other than Real Madrid," he said at a press conference. "I was clear that I wanted to play for the best, and for me Mourinho is the best. I wanted to play for him."

I was clear that I wanted to play for the best, and for me Mourinho is the best. We spoke and he convinced me.
Mesut Ozil on his decision to join Real Madrid

Ozil said a brief chat with the Portuguese coach convinced him Real was the right move. "We spoke but what was said will stay between us. What I will say is that I spoke to him and he convinced me."

Mourinho believes the 21-year-old can shine at Madrid for the next decade. "He's a player who can play for Real Madrid for ten years," he told Marca after the club's 1-1 draw with Standard Liege last night.

Ozil, who joins Germany team-mate Sami Khedira at Real, has set his sights on winning La Liga and the UEFA Champions League. "Both are very important," he said.

"We want to win the league and also the Champions League. I think we have the potential and the quality necessary to fight for both competitions. That's why I've come here - to win titles."

End of the spending
Real were also reportedly keen to bring a striker to the Bernabeu in time for the 2010/11 campaign, but sporting director Jorge Valdano believes Ozil will give Mourinho's side options in midfield and attack. "His arrival allows us to play in different ways and perhaps compensates for the fact that a third striker, which was talked about, has not arrived," he said.

In addition to Ozil, Real have signed Khedira, Argentina winger Angel di Maria and Chelsea defender Ricardo Carvalho this summer, as well as Spanish duo Sergio Canales and Pedro Leon. But Valdano said the club's transfer business is now complete.

"Ozil is the team's last incorporation for the new season," he affirmed. "Mourinho feels very comfortable with the squad and is satisfied following the signing of Ozil."