Ozil tells how playing football in a ''monkey cage'' as a kid helped him to develop his skills

Years ago Mesut Ozil discussed how playing cage football as a kid helped him to develop his football skills.

Young Mesut Ozil learned to play football close to the family home in Gelsenkirchen in the place known locally as a "monkey cage":

"While playing the cage there were bars all around, which meant that there were no 'out', no corners and therefore, no breaks. I often had to play against my friends or my brother's friends who were five or six years older and this definitely helped me to improve."

"I was able to prove myself as a small but strong dribbler and it definitely was a very nice experience."