'Ozil's reign can last a decade'

Real Madrid's latest signing German midfielder Mesut Ozil displays his new jersey during a press conference at Santiago Bernabeu yesterday.Photo: AFP

Jose Mourinho says Real Madrid's new signing Mesut Ozil has the talent to enjoy a decade of success at the Bernabeu.
Ozil, 21, signed for Real on Tuesday in a deal worth a reported €15 million, capitalising on his impressive performances at the World Cup to secure a move away from Werder Bremen, where he had only one year remaining on his contract.
With Raul and Guti both leaving Real this summer, and Kaka currently sidelined due to injury, Ozil provides a necessary element of craft to Real's attacking options, and Mourinho expects him to make a lasting impression at the Spanish club.
"He's a player who can play for Real Madrid for ten years," Mourinho told Marca. "His contract was running out so we could get him at a lot less than his actual market value.
"With Kaka's injury, Ozil and Sergio [Canales] are two players who can give us a lot."
Mourinho was speaking after a friendly against Standard Liege that saw Dutch playmaker Rafael van der Vaart fail to celebrate a goal. His behaviour has been interpreted as a sign that he is unhappy at Real following the signing of Ozil, but Mourinho insists he remains a valuable member of the squad.
"For us it was just a training match," Mourinho said. "The result was not very important. I don't give any importance to the fact that Van der Vaart did not celebrate his goal. I didn't (celebrate) either. It was a friendly.
"For me, Van der Vaart is still as important as before the Ozil transfer. As always, I will listen to the wishes of the players."
Van der Vaart added: "[Ozil's arrival] does not signify my departure. I don't want to leave the club and I want to continue this season. Nobody at the club has told me I am out.
"For me his arrival is not a problem. I need to fight for my place in the team, which is a positive for Real because we are at the same club."
Ozil joins Canales, Pedro Leon, Angel Di Maria, Sami Khedira and Ricardo Carvalho in moving to the Bernabeu this summer, and further additions cannot be ruled out as it is believed Mourinho would like another striker.
However, it is a season too early for Anderlecht wonderkid Romelu Lukaku to make the move to the Spanish capital. Mourinho said: "His father is very intelligent and will not let his son go now. We will see next season."