Ozil comments open door for Real Madrid return

Arsenal playmaker Mesut Ozil's recent comments about his future have prompted speculation that the German World Cup winner could be interested in a return to Real Madrid.

While the Gunners star says he's happy in the English capital with title-chasing Arsenal, his quotes have narrowly opened a door for a Bernabeu return, and with extension talks at the Emirates pending, Ozil is not willing to rule out anything.

"I'm very happy playing at a club of Arsenal's stature, with incredible fans that also cheer a lot," Ozil told Marca's Juan Ignacio Garcia-Ochoa when asked about a possible return to the Spanish giant. "I feel great playing in London, but in the world of football you never know ... We'll see what happens in the future."

Some of Ozil's interest in Los Blancos is related to current manager and former star Zinedine Zidane.

"Zidane has always been an idol of mine," Ozil added. "When I was younger, I would watch all his games and I wanted to be like him. He plays the same position and was always someone for me to look up to.

"When I met him for the first time in Madrid, I was very nervous. Then I calmed down, he showed trust in me and we had a great relationship. ... I think he is a great coach. He won the Champions League in his first season in charge. It doesn't get any bigger than that!"

Those admissions are sure to make Arsenal supporters equally nervous, and for good reason, as Ozil has been influential in the club's title ambitions since making the move to the north London outfit in 2013.

With two years left on his deal at Emirates, there has been a push this season to offer the Gelsenkirchen-born No. 10 and fellow attacking star Alexis Sanchez new deals.

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger revealed in October that the club had started discussions with its world-class duo, but until the pair follows Hector Bellerin's long-term commitment to the Gunners, there will be fears over what the future holds.

The 28-year-old Ozil was quick to point out that he enjoys London and has no regrets about leaving the 11-time European champ for the Premier League.

"I don't make mistakes," Ozil said. "I am happy to have made the decision to embark on an adventure in England, to have grown as a player and person. I'm also very happy to play at a club as big as Arsenal."