Mesut Ozil met more than 500 football fans at the University of Science Malaysia Sports and Recreation Centre in George Town, Penang, on April 29 during a meet-and-greet hosted by sports commentator Zainal Abidin Rawop. The session lasted nearly half an hour, and 50 lucky fans won a separate autograph session with the former Germany midfielder. [1]
Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir, his deputy Adam Adli Abdul Halim and USM Vice-Chancellor Prof Datuk Seri Dr Abdul Rahman Mohamed attended the event. Ozil then went to a football clinic with primary school students from across Penang. [1]
Ozil said he had enjoyed his visit to Malaysia, especially Penang, and praised the local food for its spice and flavour. “I like the food here. I really enjoy food with sauces and spicy flavours,” he said, adding that he wanted to try more dishes in Penang. [1]
He also said he planned to open a football academy in Istanbul, Turkiye, to help develop young players. “InsyaAllah, I will open an academy in Istanbul, Turkiye. My goal right now is to help young people,” Ozil said. [1]
Ozil had been in Malaysia since the previous Sunday for programmes in Kuala Lumpur and Penang tied to the second meeting of the Malaysia-Turkiye Joint Committee on Higher Education. He was scheduled to attend a football clinic in Perak the following day. [1]