He may be known for his assists on the pitch but it is Mesut Ozil's supporting role outside of the game that has earned him the role of German Football Ambassador.

The Gunners midfielder won a public vote to be given the award, which recognises the extensive charity work Ozil has been involved in over the past few years. The prize, awarded by the German Foreign Ministry, acknowledges those who positively represent the country abroad and help develop the sport.

Other award-winners included USA national coach Jurgen Klinsmann and Thomas Hitzlsperger, who last year announced he was gay, but it was the Arsenal man who picked up the audience award. He told Deutsche Welle that the fact it had been voted for by fans made him even more proud.

"In my job, I can really make a difference in a few ways. We are very privileged. People who know me will tell you: my goal is to help kids as much as possible. I like to spend time with them.

"I've already talked to my team of helpers and we are going to use the [prize] money to help young burn victims in Africa. We've already set up a plan of how to do it."

The 26-year-old will continue his commitments to those he can help with the creation of the Mesut Ozil Foundation. He said: "I have been planning for a while to start a charity. I have helped children before with projects. Because I now have a good network I can help a lot more of them, faster.

"The main aim is that you give children a positive future. There are lots of kids out there who really can barely enjoy life. Our goal is just to make their lives a little nicer."

It is not the first award Ozil has received for charity work. In December he was given the Laureus Sport for Good award, recognising the World Cup winner's decision to donate his bonus to 23 Brazilian children in need of life-saving surgery.

Arsenal FA Cup victory parade 2015 11 show all Arsenal FA Cup victory parade 2015 1/11 Heading out The Arsenal bus leaves the Emirates. Getty 2/11 Saying thanks The bus is shrouded in a banner thanking the fans. Getty 3/11 Part boys Jack Wilshere and Danny Welbeck. Getty 4/11 Cuposaurus Arsenal's mascot, Gunnersaurus, gets involved. Getty 5/11 Top hat Wilshere wears the FA Cup on his head Getty 6/11 Goal getter Theo Walcott, who scored Arsenal's opening goal at Wembley, poses for photos with the fans. Getty 7/11 Top deck Wilshere and Flamini soak up the atmosphere. Getty 8/11 Mic check Walcott and Wilshere address the fans. Getty 9/11 The big man Arsene Wenger hold the Cup up to the fans. Getty 10/11 Onwards and upwards Wenger said after the match that his desire to bring more success to Arsenal still burns strong. Getty 11/11 Rambo's boys Last season's FA Cup hero, Aaron Ramsey, leads the celebrations. Getty 1/11 Heading out The Arsenal bus leaves the Emirates. Getty 2/11 Saying thanks The bus is shrouded in a banner thanking the fans. Getty 3/11 Part boys Jack Wilshere and Danny Welbeck. Getty 4/11 Cuposaurus Arsenal's mascot, Gunnersaurus, gets involved. Getty 5/11 Top hat Wilshere wears the FA Cup on his head Getty 6/11 Goal getter Theo Walcott, who scored Arsenal's opening goal at Wembley, poses for photos with the fans. Getty 7/11 Top deck Wilshere and Flamini soak up the atmosphere. Getty 8/11 Mic check Walcott and Wilshere address the fans. Getty 9/11 The big man Arsene Wenger hold the Cup up to the fans. Getty 10/11 Onwards and upwards Wenger said after the match that his desire to bring more success to Arsenal still burns strong. Getty 11/11 Rambo's boys Last season's FA Cup hero, Aaron Ramsey, leads the celebrations. Getty

Ozil also praised Arsenal for the positive atmosphere at the club, and it is clear he is embracing the cosmopolitan nature of the London side.

"I have lived overseas for a few years now," he said. I enjoy it, because it gives me the chance to learn other languages. When the players speak Spanish, I understand it. Then there are others speaking French or English.

"It's really a great thing, when there are so many different cultures in the one team. The best thing is that we are respectful with each other. We all enjoy the experience together."