Arsenal midfielder Mesut Ozil says he can score more goals by being "a bit more selfish" but will continue to put the team ahead of any personal glory.
Ozil joined the team two seasons ago for a club record fee of £42.5 million (Dh241.7m), making him the most expensive German player in football history.
The World Cup winner has since scored nine goals to go with 17 assists in 51 Premier League appearances for Arsenal.
“I want to score more goals than in the last two seasons and that’s my aim for this season,” the 26-year-old, who was challenged by manager Arsene Wenger to score more than 10 goals this campaign, told the club website.
Read more: Greg Lea on Mesut Ozil being the inspiration behind Arsenal at their finest
“I think now and then I need to become a bit more selfish – then I’d definitely score more goals.
“But I’m a player who thinks for the team first and not for my own needs and that’s why I will carry on to play the way I always do.
“I think that’s one of my distinguishing characteristics,” the former Real Madrid midfielder added.
For Ozil, renowned for his ability to play defence-splitting passes, team success is much more important.
“For me it’s not just goals and assists that mean everything, what’s more important is that we’re successful as a team,” said the player, who was named in the Uefa Euro 2012 Team of the Tournament.
“My aim is to help the team and I’ll do all I can to achieve that.
“In truth I’m more the sort of player who doesn’t really go for goal, I tend to look for my teammates and think, ‘Can I play this pass?’,” he added.
Currently ninth in the league with four points from three games, Arsenal travel to St James’ Park to face Newcastle United on Saturday with Ozil eyeing his first goal of the season.
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The specs
Engine: 2-litre or 3-litre 4Motion all-wheel-drive Power: 250Nm (2-litre); 340 (3-litre) Torque: 450Nm Transmission: 8-speed automatic Starting price: From Dh212,000 On sale: Now
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May 9, v Malaysia
May 10, v Qatar
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Countries offering golden visas
UK
Innovator Founder Visa is aimed at those who can demonstrate relevant experience in business and sufficient investment funds to set up and scale up a new business in the UK. It offers permanent residence after three years.
Germany
Investing or establishing a business in Germany offers you a residence permit, which eventually leads to citizenship. The investment must meet an economic need and you have to have lived in Germany for five years to become a citizen.
Italy
The scheme is designed for foreign investors committed to making a significant contribution to the economy. Requires a minimum investment of €250,000 which can rise to €2 million.
Switzerland
Residence Programme offers residence to applicants and their families through economic contributions. The applicant must agree to pay an annual lump sum in tax.
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The Beach Bum
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UK's plans to cut net migration
Under the UK government’s proposals, migrants will have to spend 10 years in the UK before being able to apply for citizenship.
Skilled worker visas will require a university degree, and there will be tighter restrictions on recruitment for jobs with skills shortages.
But what are described as "high-contributing" individuals such as doctors and nurses could be fast-tracked through the system.
Language requirements will be increased for all immigration routes to ensure a higher level of English.
Rules will also be laid out for adult dependants, meaning they will have to demonstrate a basic understanding of the language.
The plans also call for stricter tests for colleges and universities offering places to foreign students and a reduction in the time graduates can remain in the UK after their studies from two years to 18 months.
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Key figures in the life of the fort
Sheikh Dhiyab bin Isa (ruled 1761-1793) Built Qasr Al Hosn as a watchtower to guard over the only freshwater well on Abu Dhabi island.
Sheikh Shakhbut bin Dhiyab (ruled 1793-1816) Expanded the tower into a small fort and transferred his ruling place of residence from Liwa Oasis to the fort on the island.
Sheikh Tahnoon bin Shakhbut (ruled 1818-1833) Expanded Qasr Al Hosn further as Abu Dhabi grew from a small village of palm huts to a town of more than 5,000 inhabitants.
Sheikh Khalifa bin Shakhbut (ruled 1833-1845) Repaired and fortified the fort.
Sheikh Saeed bin Tahnoon (ruled 1845-1855) Turned Qasr Al Hosn into a strong two-storied structure.
Sheikh Zayed bin Khalifa (ruled 1855-1909) Expanded Qasr Al Hosn further to reflect the emirate's increasing prominence.
Sheikh Shakhbut bin Sultan (ruled 1928-1966) Renovated and enlarged Qasr Al Hosn, adding a decorative arch and two new villas.
Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan (ruled 1966-2004) Moved the royal residence to Al Manhal palace and kept his diwan at Qasr Al Hosn.
Sources: Jayanti Maitra, www.adach.ae
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- 600-seat auditorium
- Spaces for historical and cultural exploration
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In the village of Mevagissey in southwest England the housing stock has doubled in the last century while the number of residents is half the historic high. The village's Neighbourhood Development Plan states that 26% of homes are holiday retreats. Prices are high, averaging around £300,000, £50,000 more than the Cornish average of £250,000. The local average wage is £15,458.
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Saturday September 12
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Monday September 14
Brighton v Chelsea
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The five pillars of Islam
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The burning issue
The internal combustion engine is facing a watershed moment – major manufacturer Volvo is to stop producing petroleum-powered vehicles by 2021 and countries in Europe, including the UK, have vowed to ban their sale before 2040. The National takes a look at the story of one of the most successful technologies of the last 100 years and how it has impacted life in the UAE.
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Gulf Under 19s final
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