Mesut Ozil has won the German Player of the Year award for 2016.
Picking up 54.5% of the vote, Ozil saw off competition from Toni Kroos (33.9%) and Jonas Hector (4).
Fans' German player of the year award winners since 2010 pic.twitter.com/qkUqkp0wjv
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Speaking to the German national team site, Ozil was delighted to pick up the award. “Thank you, obviously I was very happy to have received this award,” he said.
“I’ve simply arrived in the Premier League since last season. I’ve remained injury-free for the most part and I feel very comfortable in London now as well.
“My [national team] highlight was the game against Italy at the EUROs – I definitely enjoy thinking back on my goal. But we didn’t reach our target, which was to win the European Championships. We wanted to win our semi-final against France, but didn’t accomplish it. On the other hand, we were able to phase-in a transition with many young players, which is important in regard to the World Cup where we will try to defend our title. As one of the more experienced players in the team, I try to pass on advice to the younger players. Even if I’m not the most vocal player on the pitch, my voice is heard in the team. And I try to help our younger players every day.
“The award itself isn’t that important to me, if I can say it like that. 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.”