Germany’s Mesut Ozil is not just a World Cup champion now, not anymore after his kind gesture towards 23 sick children in Brazil by paying for their surgery so as to thank the nation for its warm hospitality.
He had already sponsored the surgeries of 11 kids ahead of the tournament, but after receiving a hefty amount of bonus following Germany’s title winning campaign in Brazil, the Arsenal playmaker has decided to pay for the surgeries of 12 more kids, thus helping a total of 23 children in partnership with Big Shoe.
The Arsenal midfielder originally paid for 11 before the tournament in Brazil started, but decided to up the tally to 23 in reference to the number of players that formed winners Germany’s squad. Ozil said: ‘Prior to the World Cup, I supported the surgery of 11 sick children. Since the victory in the World Cup is not only due to 11 players but to our whole team, I will now raise the number to 23. The German wore the number 23 shirt during his early Real Madrid days, and it went onto be a symbolic number around the Madrid supporters since it was also worn by one of their former Galacticos, David Beckham. ”I love children.
They are important to me,” said Ozil when asked about the reason for his generous donation. “I want them to thrive, live their own life and have a good chance in the future. A lot of children are shut out of our society, but these we can help in improving their living conditions.” Ozil is of Turkish descent and a practising Muslim who recites the Quran before games.
He controversially opted not to fast during the tournament, which fell in the holy month of Ramadan in which Muslims fast from dawn until sunset. It was first rumoured that his donations were made to the victims in Gaza, however, his spokesman cleared up the story later, “The claim that Mesut donated money to Gaza is not true,” he said.
“Maybe in the future, who knows? He donated money to causes in Brazil and he is now on holiday.” Each member of Germany’s squad received £240,000 for defeating Argentina at the Maracana and Ozil’s donation is part of the BigShoe project – whose goal is to help underprivileged children with medical needs.
Ozil talks about his donation to help the children saying, let’s go people! Let’s move it together in Brazil. Let’s set an example. I’m taking care of eleven surgeries. The most beautiful team of eleven ever. Together we can help many more children, thank you for your help.
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