"I was between Madrid and Barca, but Guardiola didn't even bother to meet me"

34-year-old Mesut Ozil decided it was time to quit football. On Wednesday, he announced that he was hanging up his boots.

The former player spoke to 'Marca' and reviewed his professional career. He recalled that in 2011, when he signed for Real Madrid, Barca were also interested in him and if he didn't join the 'Cules' it was because of Pep Guardiola.

"I decided between Madrid and Barcelona. It wasn't about money... I don't know if this is known, but I visited Madrid and Barcelona at that time. Mou gave me a VIP visit. He took me to see the stadium, the trophies? That gave me goosebumps. The visit in Barcelona was more disappointing. Guardiola didn't even bother to meet me," he revealed.

In fact, he was very attracted to Barcelona: "Before that trip, I really liked Barcelona's style of football and I could really imagine playing for them.

"Madrid went all in and Jose Mourinho was, without a doubt, the most important fact in my decision. After my visits, my decision was 100 per cent clear: I wanted to be a 'Merengue' player," he continued.

For Ozil, the current 'Clasicos' have nothing to do with those of yesteryear. "I think I experienced the best era. Nowadays, those games have lost intensity and emotion, I would say. I've played a lot of them, but there will never be anything like those Madrid-Barca games.