Balancing the good times with the bad is part and parcel of being a professional footballer, according to Mesut Ozil.
The 25-year-old playmaker has enjoyed a sparkling career to date, winning major honours with Real Madrid and helping Arsenal win the FA Cup in his first season with the club before playing a major role in Germany's World Cup success in the summer.
Ozil insists he is strong enough to deal with any criticism that comes his way and remains solely focused on the positive aspects of life.
"For me, it’s just important to keep having fun when you’re playing the game," Ozil told Arsenal Player.
"I’m a positive person who enjoys every aspect of life"
"Sometimes you will have a spell where things may not go so well for a few days or weeks, or on the other side, you might go for months having mostly just positive results and experiences.
"You have to have fun and believe in yourself. Don’t show weakness. Why would you do that when you do what you love? Setbacks belong in the game just like defeats and victories do. I’m just thankful to have my health and I enjoy everything else in my life.
"I just try to enjoy everything - even if there is bad press, if the fans are angry or when things in your private life don’t go as you would like. You have to make your own experiences. I’m a positive person who enjoys every aspect of life.
"That’s what’s most important. You shouldn’t forget that remaining healthy and well is what matters and as long as you have that, you should be happy. I enjoy playing football and spending time with my loved ones. I don’t take notice of the negatives or the positives in the press."
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