Mesut Ozil decided to retire from the German national team because he felt discrimination of his meeting with Turkish President Recep Tayyib Erdogan in May. Previously Ozil also hit by scathing criticism after appearing in bad performance at the 2018 World Cup. However, the Arsenal midfielder was not accepted if the picture together with Erdogan regarded as a political content.
“For me, taking pictures with President Erdogan is not aboout politics or elections, it’s about me honoring the highest office of my family country,” Ozil wrote on Twitter.
Ozil announced his retirement from the national team via Twitter account. Although heavy, but Ozil could not accept the treatment of racism from the German Football Federation (DFB).
“With a heavy heart and a lot of consideration over the recent events, I will no longer play for Germany at International level while I feel racism and disrespect,” Ozil wrote.
“I have been wearing Germany costume with great pride and excitement, but not anymore, this decision is very difficult to make because I always give everything to my colleagues, coaching staff and good people in Germany.”
“But when DFB officials treat me like this, disrespecting my Turkish lineage and selfishly calling me political propaganda, I think that’s enough.”
“That’s not why I play football, and I will not be silent without doing anything.” Racism should never be acceptable.”
In the World Cup 2018, Germany’s status as defending champion could not do much in Russia. Joachim Low’s team failed to qualify even for the group stage.
Ozil has debut with Germany national team in 2009. Until the 2018 World Cup, he has appeared 92 times and scored 23 goals. Players born October 15, 1988 it also presents a trophy champion in the 2014 World Cup.
Previously, Ozil also contributed to lead the German national team won the U-21 European Cup in 2009. He recorded a total of 92 appearances for Germany, packing 23 goals from all competitions.
