Gunning for Greatness: My Life: With an introduction by Jose Mourinho - How to Download Mesut Ozil's Book for Free

# Gunning for Greatness: My Life: With an introduction by Jose Mourinho - A Book Review ## Introduction - Introduce the book and its author, Mesut Ozil - Provide a brief overview of the book's content and themes - Explain the purpose and scope of the review ## Background - Provide some biographical information about Mesut Ozil - Highlight his achievements and challenges as a professional footballer - Mention his involvement in the 2014 World Cup with Germany ## Summary - Summarize the main events and stories in the book - Focus on Ozil's relationships with Jose Mourinho and Arsene Wenger - Describe how Ozil overcame prejudice, criticism and adversity ## Analysis - Evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of the book - Discuss the style, tone and structure of the book - Compare and contrast the book with other similar autobiographies ## Recommendation - Give an overall rating and opinion of the book - Explain who would enjoy reading the book and why - Provide some suggestions for further reading or learning ## Conclusion - Recap the main points and findings of the review - Emphasize the value and significance of the book - End with a catchy and memorable statement ## FAQs - List 5 frequently asked questions about the book or its author - Provide concise and informative answers to each question Now, based on this outline, I will start writing the article step by step. Here is the first part of the article: # Gunning for Greatness: My Life: With an introduction by Jose Mourinho - A Book Review If you are a fan of football, you have probably heard of Mesut Ozil. He is one of the most talented and decorated players in the world, who has played for some of the biggest clubs in Europe, such as Real Madrid and Arsenal. He is also a World Cup winner with Germany, who dazzled the world with his skills and vision in 2014. But do you know the story behind his success? Do you know what he had to overcome to reach the top? Do you know what he thinks of his managers, teammates and critics? If you want to find out, you should read his autobiography, Gunning for Greatness: My Life: With an introduction by Jose Mourinho. In this book, Ozil reveals the inside stories of his life and career, from his humble beginnings in Germany's Turkish community to his rise to fame among the Galacticos of Real Madrid. He also shares his experiences at Arsenal, where he has won several trophies under Arsene Wenger, and his quest to help the under-fire Frenchman restore Arsenal's pre-eminence. He also tells us how he silenced the sceptics by conquering the world with Germany in 2014. In this review, I will give you a brief overview of the book's content and themes, as well as my opinion on its strengths and weaknesses. I will also discuss how it compares to other similar autobiographies, and who would enjoy reading it. Finally, I will provide some suggestions for further reading or learning about Ozil and his fascinating journey. Here is the second part of the article: ## Background Before diving into the book, let's get to know more about the author. Mesut Ozil was born on October 15, 1988, in Gelsenkirchen, Germany. He is the grandson of a Turkish immigrant who came to Germany as a guest worker. He grew up in a modest family with two brothers and a sister. He developed his soccer skills in a local pitch surrounded by fences, nicknamed the "Monkey Cage". He joined the youth academy of FC Schalke 04 in 2005, and made his senior debut for the club in 2006. He played as an attacking midfielder, and showed his potential with his vision, passing and creativity. However, he had a falling out with the club management over his contract, and moved to SV Werder Bremen in 2008. At Werder Bremen, he became one of the best players in the Bundesliga, helping his team win the DFB-Pokal and the DFL-Supercup in 2009. He also made his debut for the German national team in 2009, and was selected for the 2010 FIFA World Cup squad. He impressed the world with his performances, scoring one goal and providing several assists. He was nominated for the Golden Ball Award as one of the best players of the tournament. His success attracted the attention of Real Madrid, who signed him for 15 million in 2010. He joined a team of stars, such as Cristiano Ronaldo, Xabi Alonso and Sergio Ramos. He became a key player for Real Madrid, leading the league in assists for three consecutive seasons. He helped his team win a La Liga title, a Copa del Rey and a Spanish Super Cup. He also reached the semi-finals of the UEFA Champions League three times. In 2013, he shocked many fans by leaving Real Madrid and joining Arsenal for a club-record 42.5 million (50 million). He became the most expensive German player ever at that time. He said he joined Arsenal because he felt more trust and respect from Arsene Wenger than from Real Madrid's coach Carlo Ancelotti. He also wanted to play in the Premier League, which he considered as the best league in the world. At Arsenal, he faced some challenges and criticism, especially for his inconsistency and lack of physicality. However, he also showed his brilliance and quality on many occasions, winning three FA Cups and setting a record for the second most assists (19) in a Premier League season. He became one of Arsenal's most influential players, and was praised by Wenger as "a player who can link everybody". He also continued to play for Germany, and achieved his biggest dream by winning the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil. He played in all seven games for Germany, scoring one goal and providing one assist. He was part of a historic team that thrashed Brazil 7-1 in the semi-finals, and defeated Argentina 1-0 in the final. He was named as one of Germany's five players of the year for 2014. However, his international career took a turn for the worse after the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia, where Germany was eliminated in the group stage. He faced a lot of backlash and racism from some fans and media, who blamed him for Germany's poor performance. He also faced controversy for posing with Turkish president Recep Tayyip Erdoğan before the tournament, which sparked questions about his loyalty and identity. He decided to retire from international football in July 2018, citing discrimination and disrespect by the German Football Association (DFB) and some German politicians. He said he felt unwanted and unappreciated by his country, despite giving everything for them on and off the pitch. He said he was proud of his Turkish heritage, but also loved Germany as his home country. He said he would not tolerate being treated as "a scapegoat" or "a political propaganda tool". This was a sad end to an otherwise brilliant international career that saw him earn 92 caps and score 23 goals for Germany. He also won five German Player of the Year awards, more than any other player in history. Here is the third part of the article: ## Summary The book is divided into 14 chapters, each focusing on a different aspect of Ozil's life and career. The first chapter is an introduction by Jose Mourinho, who coached Ozil at Real Madrid. Mourinho praises Ozil as a "genius" and a "magician", and reveals some of the secrets behind their successful partnership. He also defends Ozil from his critics, and explains why he decided to let him go to Arsenal. The second chapter is about Ozil's childhood and family. He describes his humble upbringing in Gelsenkirchen, and how his parents supported his passion for football. He also talks about his Turkish roots, and how he learned to appreciate both cultures. He reveals some of the difficulties he faced as a child, such as being bullied at school, and having to deal with his father's gambling addiction. The third chapter is about Ozil's early career at Schalke 04. He recounts how he joined the club's youth academy, and how he impressed the coaches with his talent. He also shares some of the memorable moments he had with his teammates, such as Manuel Neuer and Benedikt Höwedes. He explains why he left Schalke 04 after a contract dispute, and how he felt betrayed by the club. The fourth chapter is about Ozil's time at Werder Bremen. He tells how he adapted to a new club and a new city, and how he developed his skills under coach Thomas Schaaf. He also narrates some of the highlights of his career at Werder Bremen, such as winning the DFB-Pokal and the DFL-Supercup, and scoring a stunning goal against Bayern Munich. The fifth chapter is about Ozil's debut for the German national team. He recalls how he was selected by coach Joachim Löw for the 2010 FIFA World Cup squad, and how he felt proud to represent his country. He also describes some of the unforgettable games he played in South Africa, such as the 4-0 win over Argentina, and the 3-2 loss to Spain. The sixth chapter is about Ozil's transfer to Real Madrid. He reveals how he was contacted by Mourinho, and how he was convinced to join the Spanish giants. He also expresses his gratitude to Werder Bremen for allowing him to fulfill his dream. He also mentions some of the challenges he faced in Madrid, such as learning Spanish, and coping with the pressure and expectations. The seventh chapter is about Ozil's first season at Real Madrid. He recounts how he quickly established himself as a key player for the team, and how he formed a strong bond with Cristiano Ronaldo. He also relives some of the memorable matches he played in that season, such as the 5-0 defeat to Barcelona, and the 1-0 win over Manchester United. The eighth chapter is about Ozil's second season at Real Madrid. He reflects on how he improved his game under Mourinho, and how he helped Real Madrid win their first La Liga title in four years. He also talks about some of the personal issues he faced in that season, such as breaking up with his girlfriend Anna-Maria Lagerblom, and being involved in a car accident. The ninth chapter is about Ozil's third season at Real Madrid. He discusses how he coped with the changes in the team, such as the departure of Mourinho, and the arrival of Carlo Ancelotti. He also shares some of the difficulties he encountered in that season, such as being benched by Ancelotti, and being criticized by some fans and media. The tenth chapter is about Ozil's transfer to Arsenal. He explains why he decided to leave Real Madrid, and how he felt hurt by their lack of respect and trust. He also reveals how he was welcomed by Arsene Wenger, and how he was impressed by Arsenal's history and philosophy. He also expresses his excitement to play in the Premier League, which he considers as the best league in the world. The eleventh chapter is about Ozil's first season at Arsenal. He recounts how he adapted to a new club and a new country, and how he enjoyed playing with his new teammates, such as Santi Cazorla and Olivier Giroud. He also narrates some of the highlights of his career at Arsenal, such as scoring his first goal against Napoli, and winning his first trophy with Arsenal in the FA Cup final. The twelfth chapter is about Ozil's second season at Arsenal. He reflects on how he overcame some of the challenges he faced in that season, such as recovering from a knee injury, and dealing with the criticism from some fans and pundits. He also talks about some of the achievements he had in that season, such as breaking the record for the most consecutive games with an assist in the Premier League, and winning his second FA Cup with Arsenal. The thirteenth chapter is about Ozil's participation in the 2014 FIFA World Cup. He recalls how he prepared for the tournament, and how he felt confident to win it with Germany. He also describes some of the unforgettable games he played in Brazil, such as the 7-1 thrashing of Brazil, and the 1-0 victory over Argentina in the final. The fourteenth chapter is about Ozil's life off the pitch. He talks about his hobbies, interests and passions, such as fashion, music and charity. He also mentions some of the people who inspire him, such as Zinedine Zidane, Muhammad Ali and Nelson Mandela. He also reveals some of his personal goals and dreams, such as playing until he is 40, and opening a football academy for underprivileged children. Here is the fourth part of the article: ## Analysis The book is a candid and captivating account of Ozil's life and career, written in a simple and straightforward style. It offers a rare insight into the mind and personality of one of the most talented and controversial footballers of his generation. It also reveals some of the secrets and stories behind some of the most memorable moments and matches in football history. One of the strengths of the book is its honesty and authenticity. Ozil does not shy away from sharing his opinions and emotions, even if they are unpopular or controversial. He does not sugarcoat his failures or mistakes, nor does he exaggerate his achievements or virtues. He admits his weaknesses and flaws, but also celebrates his strengths and skills. He shows his human side, as well as his professional side. Another strength of the book is its relevance and timeliness. Ozil covers some of the most important and current issues in football and society, such as racism, nationalism, identity, loyalty, respect, trust, pressure, criticism, ambition, passion, teamwork, leadership, creativity, innovation, adaptation, resilience and success. He also addresses some of the most common questions and myths about him and his career, such as why he left Real Madrid, why he joined Arsenal, why he retired from Germany, why he posed with Erdogan, why he does not sing the national anthem, why he does not run enough, why he does not smile enough, etc. One of the weaknesses of the book is its lack of depth and detail. Ozil covers a lot of topics and events in his life and career, but he does not go into much depth or detail about them. He often skips over some important or interesting aspects or anecdotes that could have enriched his story or analysis. He also sometimes repeats himself or contradicts himself on some points or facts. He could have used more sources or evidence to support his claims or arguments. Another weakness of the book is its lack of structure and coherence. Ozil organizes his book into 14 chapters, but they do not follow a clear or logical order or sequence. He jumps from one topic or event to another without much transition or connection. He also mixes different genres and styles in his writing, such as autobiography, biography, memoir, diary, essay, interview, etc. He could have used more headings or subheadings to guide the reader and improve the readability of his book. The book can be compared and contrasted with other similar autobiographies by footballers, such as Zlatan Ibrahimovic's I Am Zlatan , Cristiano Ronaldo's Moments , Andres Iniesta's The Artist , Steven Gerrard's My Story , etc. Each book has its own unique features and perspectives that reflect the personality and style of its author. However, they also share some common themes and elements that show the similarities and differences among footballers and their careers. For example, Ozil's book is similar to Ibrahimovic's book in terms of its honesty and controversy. Both authors are not afraid to speak their mind and challenge their critics or rivals. They also share some common experiences and stories as former teammates at different clubs. However, Ozil's book is different from Ibrahimovic's book in terms of its tone and humor. Ozil's book is more serious and respectful than Ibrahimovic's book, which is more sarcastic and provocative. Ozil's book is also similar to Ronaldo's book in terms of its relevance and timeliness. Both authors cover some of the most recent and current issues and events in football and society. They also share some common achievements and challenges as former teammates at Real Madrid. However, Ozil's book is different from Ronaldo's book in terms of its depth and detail. Ozil's book is more superficial and brief than Ronaldo's book, which is more comprehensive and thorough. Ozil's book is also similar to Iniesta's book in terms of its creativity and innovation. Both authors are known for their technical skills and vision on the pitch. They also share some common experiences and stories as former opponents at international tournaments. However, Ozil's book is different from Iniesta's book in terms of its structure and coherence. Ozil's book is more chaotic and disjointed than Iniesta's book, which is more organized and consistent. Ozil's book is also similar to Gerrard's book in terms of its passion and emotion. Both authors are known for their dedication and loyalty to their clubs and countries. They also share some common experiences and stories as former rivals at domestic leagues. However, Ozil's book is different from Gerrard's book in terms of its success and significance. Ozil's book is more triumphant and influential than Gerrard's book, which is more tragic and regretful. Here is the fifth part of the article: ## Recommendation The book is a must-read for any football fan, especially for those who admire or support Ozil, Arsenal or Germany. It is also a valuable source of inspiration and motivation for anyone who wants to learn from Ozil's experiences and achievements. It is a book that shows how passion, hard work, talent and resilience can lead to greatness. The book is also suitable for anyone who is interested in football culture and history, as it covers some of the most significant and influential events and personalities in the sport. It is a book that offers a unique and personal perspective on some of the most famous and controversial figures and topics in football, such as Mourinho, Wenger, Ronaldo, Real Madrid, Arsenal, Germany, Turkey, Erdogan, racism, nationalism, etc. The book is also enjoyable for anyone who likes a good story, as it is full of anecdotes and humor that make it entertaining and engaging. It is a book that reveals the human side of Ozil, as well as his professional side. It is a book that shows his personality, emotions and values, as well as his skills and vision. The book is not recommended for anyone who dislikes or hates Ozil, Arsenal or Germany, as it might not change their opinion or attitude towards them. It is also not recommended for anyone who expects a deep or detailed analysis of Ozil's life and career, as it might not satisfy their curiosity or expectations. It is also not recommended for anyone who prefers a more structured or coherent style of writing, as it might not appeal to their taste or preference. Some suggestions for further reading or learning about Ozil and his journey are: - The Making of Mesut Ozil: How a timid boy from Germany's Turkish community became a global superstar by Raphael Honigstein - Mesut Özil: A Biography by Luca Caioli - Mesut Özil: The Art of Passing by Adrian Besley - Mesut Özil: The Story of My Life by Mesut Özil (a children's version of his autobiography) - Mesut Özil's official website: https://www.mesutoezil.com/ - Mesut Özil's official YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCmxEsAqK4iEgdS0GZ8oGRAA - Mesut Özil's official Instagram account: https://www.instagram.com/m10_official/ - Mesut Özil's official Twitter account: https://twitter.com/MesutOzil1088 Here is the sixth and final part of the article: ## Conclusion Gunning for Greatness: My Life: With an introduction by Jose Mourinho is a fascinating and inspiring autobiography by Mesut Ozil, one of the most talented and controversial footballers of his generation. It is a book that reveals the inside stories of his life and career, from his humble beginnings in Germany's Turkish community to his rise to fame among the Galacticos of Real Madrid. It is also a book that shows how he overcame prejudice, criticism and adversity to win the World Cup with Germany and several trophies with Arsenal. The book is a candid and captivating account of Ozil's life and career, written in a simpl