Mesut Ozil has revealed that he has changed a ‘few things’ in his life this season to help him recover faster after matches and avoid injury.

Speaking to the German national team site after picking up the Germany Player of the Year award for the fifth time, Ozil said  when asked how he maintains his consistency, “I’ve changed a few things in my life this past year, for example my diet and my training. That helps me to regenerate fast after games and it reduces the chance of getting injured. And obviously you can’t lose the love for the game. But that’s not going to be the case for me (laughs).”

A player who is often criticised by people who clearly have never watched him in the flesh, Ozil is adored by Arsenal fans for the impact he has in most games.

Returning from illness against Swansea, he was a little quiet, but his stats still show an impressive display. Understated yet effective as always. Unlike another in the side, for Mesut, it really isn’t about him at all.

When asked how he felt about picking up this award, his reply told you all you need to know about him. “The award itself isn’t that important to me, if I can say it like that,” he said. “But the fact that so many fans register online to give me their vote is something that makes me proud. And for that I want to thank all the fans out there.”