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By Our Correspondent

Former Germany and Arsenal player-maker, Mesut Ozil has disclosed that he liked the playing style of former Super Eagles captain, Austin ‘Jay Jay’ Okocha.

The World Cup winner stated this during his unveiling as new Fenerbahce player with the Okocha acknowledging his comment almost instantly and declaring that he was happy that Ozil could regard him as his idol.

At a media presentation of the club, Ozil revealed when he has been following and watching the Nigerian on the field of play.

Ozil signed for Fener this week after securing a release from his Arsenal contract. Which led to termination of his contract with the Gunners with six months remaining.

“When I was a child, I remember being with someone who was supporting Besiktas and I was supporting Fenerbahce. I remember this and it will stay the same forever!

“While I was watching Fenerbahce, I liked Jay-Jay Okocha a lot for his playing style, and as for the team right now I’m really looking forward to playing with Dimitris Pelkas as we play in the same position. He’s a very talented footballer.

“Of course I believe Fenerbahce are contenders to be champions every season, and hopefully we’ll do it as soon as possible. The dream is to play in the Champions League. I’ve been used to playing under pressure, and I know there will be pressure here too.

“I’ve played with big clubs but Fenerbahce is something else for me. I appreciate the club so much and hopefully everything will be beautiful.”

Meanwhile, former Super Eagles captain and 1996 Olympic gold medallist, Austin Jay-Jay Okocha, has expressed delight over the recognition accorded him by former Real Madrid star, Mesut Ozil.

Ozil had described Okocha as the star he followed at Fenerbahce and he recalled wearing his no.10 shirt with the Nigerian legend’s name written at the back.

Okocha who won two titles during his stint in Istanbul, tipped the ex-Arsenal star to boost Fenerbahce’s charge for the Super Lig crown this season. They are two points behind leaders Besiktas.

“I was very happy. I did not know about the last tweet Mesut Ozil posted,” Okocha told Goal. “It is very pleasing to be the idol of such a world star player, to inspire him.

“Mesut is a world-class player. It is a very good thing [for him] to come to Fenerbahce. I think he will definitely be successful in Fenerbahce.”

Before calling time on his career, Okocha had spells in Germany, England, France and Turkey, and he thinks Ozil is treading a similar path having previously played in Germany and England.

“Mesut’s career is similar to mine; we both played in Germany and England and he came to Fenerbahce like me now. I am very happy,” he concluded.