Mourinho once called midfielder a ‘coward’ at Real Madrid

Ozil and Mourinho spent three years together at Real Madrid, winning the La Liga title together in 2012.

In a new autobiography, the Germany international claimed that Mourinho called him a coward during a heated exchange which came after an unspecific game.

"You think two beautiful passes are enough," said Mourinho, as written by Ozil in his new book titled, Die Magie des Spiels (The Magic of the Game), which is being serialised in German newspaper ,

"You think you're so good that 50 per cent is enough."

ALSO READ:

"He pauses. Stares at me with his dark brown eyes. I stare back. Like two boxers at the stare-down before the first round,” Ozil added.

“He shows no emotion. Just waits for a response from me. How much I hate him right now. And I love Mourinho actually."

Ozil revealed that the dressing down from Mourinho continued after he threw his shirt on the floor.

"Oh, are you giving up now? You're such a coward,” Mourinho also said.

"What do you want? To creep under the beautiful, warm shower? Shampoo your hair? To be alone? Or do you want to prove to your fellow players, the fans out there, and me, what you can do."

In his book, Ozil also revealed he signed for Real Madrid instead of their fierce rivals, Barcelona because of Mourinho.

ALSO READ: Ozil spotted on a date with ex Miss Turkey

The highly rated Ozil was a subject of transfer interest from Real Madrid and Barcelona but signed for the Los Blancos.

The Arsenal midfielder revealed that he had initially preferred a move to Barcelona but was discouraged because then manager Pep Guardiola did not do enough to convince him.

"Because of Guardiola's behaviour, I did not want to go to Barcelona," Ozil wrote.

"Especially because Mourinho fought so much at the same time. He was so convincing. So heartfelt, trying so hard. He was the complete opposite of the Barca coach. So I decided for Jose Mourinho and Real Madrid."

Together at Real Madrid, Ozil and Mourinho won the Copa del Rey (2011) and La Liga (2012).