Mesut Ozil announced his retirement from international football in July. The Arsenal midfielder claimed to have been the subject of racism and disrespect following his controversial meeting with the Turkish president Recep Tayyip Erdogan in May.
The picture with Erdogan saw the German star pose with his team-mate Ilkay Gundogan, and then caused a heated debate in Germany and caused a heavy climate around the Mannschaft during the World Cup.
However, Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp has hit back at the fans and pundits who have criticised his compatriots Ozil and Gundogan.
“In politics, little things have always been blown up and big things pushed away in order to continue. Normally, intelligent people tend to hold back because it is not easy to say the right thing. I would count myself too. All those who have no idea are loud in these conversations.” Klopp said to reporters.
“I don’t doubt these guys, at least about their loyalty to our homeland. The difference is that they have one more thing in their heritage, that’s beautiful.
“Cultural diversity, we all thought it was cool around the Germany-hosted 2006 World Cup. Now two guys are seduced by politically intelligent people to have a photo, and then have relatively few opportunities to say they want 100 per cent right.
“That’s why I find discussion hypocritical. Bad things happened because people were not informed properly. Even the media should not create a buzz around something like this every day. Jut cool off and see the people behind it.” Klopp added.
The Turkish president Recep Tayyip Erdogan poses for a picture with Mesut Ozil and Ilkay Gundogan. (Source:www.dailyexpress.co.uk)
Ozil is of Turkish origin, and he said he has not regret about his controversial picture with Mr. Erdogan. The 29-year-old midfielder claimed his meeting in May to “respect the highest dignitary of my family’s country.”
“Like many people, my ancestry traces back to more than one country. Whilst I grew up in Germany, my family background has its roots firmly based in Turkey. I have two hearts one German and one Turkish.” Ozil said.
“I met President Erdogan in London at a charity gala. For me, taking a picture with president Erdogan was by no means political, it was just to respect the highest dignitary of my country, not to disrespect the roots of my ancestors, who would have been proud of what I have become today.” former Real Madrid star added.
