Being a champion on the pitch isn't enough for one member of the German national team. For Mesut Ozil, being a humanitarian is equally important, with the midfielder opting to donate his World Cup bonus money to the ill children of Brazil.
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Initial reports had Ozil's earnings being sent to the children of Gaza. His representative, however, confirmed that wasn't the case. "The claim that Mesut donated money to Gaza is not true," said Roland Eitel (via the Independent). "Maybe in the future. Who knows? He donated money to causes in Brazil and he is now on holiday."
One of those causes included support for the surgeries of 11 sick children upon his arrival in Brazil. After lifting the World Cup trophy on July 13, the Arsenal star more than doubled his charitable cause, raising the number of supported surgeries to 23. The 25-year-old clarified the confusion on his personal Facebook page.
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"Dear fans, prior to the World Cup I supported the surgery of 11 sick children. Since the victory of the World Cup is not only due to 11 players but to our whole team, I will now raise the number to 23," he said. "This is my personal thank you for the hospitality of the people of Brazil."
A picture with four of the aforementioned sick children and one large boot accompanied Ozil's heartfelt words.
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