Ozil: I'm as ambitious as Ronaldo

Arsenal forward Mesut Ozil insists he is as ambitious and as hungry for success as Cristiano Ronaldo. 

Whilst nobody questions the huge ability the German playmaker possesses, he has often been criticised for his effort, something which Ronaldo is never lacking in.

And although Ronaldo is a goalscorer, and Ozil is a playmaker, the 27-year-old claims the two have more in common than one might expect. 

"Cristiano Ronaldo is obviously very ambitious, but so am I," the Germany international told L'Equipe when comparted to the Portugal star.

"I am a perfectionist on the pitch as well. I want to be successful with everything I do.

"During the time I played alongside Ronaldo [at Real Madrid], I saw that he always wanted to win everything, even on the training pitch. He is never satisfied and always wants more. He always wants more titles and there are not a lot of players with that attitude.

"Personally, I am not as hungry for goals like Ronaldo. But that's only normal. He is an attacker. For me, scoring goals and providing assists is the same. They both win you matches."

Ozil will have to use this winning mentality to ensure his team progress past Italy in Saturday's quarter-final.