This is a reason to why Real Madrid had to sell Mesut Ozil

"Don't sell Ozil," they screamed. The fans had come along to the Santiago Bernabeu to welcome new signing Gareth Bale on Monday, but they also had a message for Florentino Perez. 

The president put his finger to his lips, however, to silence the chants.Ozil is different; there is no-one else like him in the world - it's a shame and a big loss." Former coach Jose Mourinho was also surprised Madrid allowed Ozil to leave. "He is unique," the Portuguese pondered. "The best number 10 in the world." Two years ago, Mourinho had spoken of building a "young team for the future" at the Santiago Bernabeu. And Ozil was supposed to be a big part of that.

Madrid had been prepared to include Angel Di Maria in the deal to buy Bale from Spurs, but the Argentina attacker chose to stay and fight for his future at the Bernabeu and impressed coach Carlo Ancelotti in pre-season. When the Italian asked his forwards for extra intensity in training, Di Maria responded. Ozil did not. The German was included in Madrid's first official game this term, a hard-fought 2-1 win over Betis at the Bernabeu in which summer signing Isco shone to save his side. He had been paired with Ozil in a four-man midfield also featuring Luka Modric and Sami Khedira, but overshadowed the German with an assist and the late goal which gave the team all three points. But Betis had caused Madrid all sorts of problems and Ancelotti called for better defensive discipline from his midfielders. "Isco and Ozil have to learn how to defend," the Italian said. "We need quality players, but they must work defensively. That's the key to the season, finding the balance with quality players." 

And hours later, Mesut was gone. Some of the players echoed the fans' frustrations. "If I were in charge at Madrid, Ozil would be one of the last to be leaving," Sergio Ramos said. And Alvaro Arbeloa added: "He said goodbye on Sunday, but I thought he was joking. For more info visit www.goal.com