Germany midfielder, Ilkay Gundogan has hit back at the fans after getting booed in back to back matches.
The jeers and criticism aimed at him due to his recent meeting with controversial Turkish president. He insisted he never meant to make a political stance.
Gundogan said its hard to live with jeers from your fans and he termed it as a personal attack.
The City midfielder told France football:
“Some reactions touched me, including personal attacks. In recent years we have done a lot to promote integration in Germany. We do not only have a Turkish side, inherited from our parents and our families; we were born and raised in Gelsenkirchen. It is a city with a high percentage of emigrants.”
“That’s why I was very shocked to hear that we were [apparently] not integrated and that we did not want to live according to German values. It was a difficult experience. Because of our Turkish roots, we still have a very strong relationship with Turkey. That does not mean, however, that we believe that Mr Steinmeier is not our president, or Mrs Merkel is not our chancellor. It has never been our intention to take a political stance,” Gundogan added.
Gundogan also said:
“We are used to the whistles of the opposing fans, but when we are booed by our own fans, it’s hard to live with. I am always open to criticism. Everyone has their opinion, that’s why we have freedom of opinion. I am for [freedom of expression], and that’s why I feel privileged to be born and raised in Germany.”
“For me, it was important to speak [about the situation]. I want to regain normality; I do not want to hide. Everyone has their own way of handling the situation. Now I want to focus on the basics again,” he concluded.
Germany have not enjoyed the best World Cup preparation. On the pitch Germany only have one win in their last five. And that was a 2-1 win over Saudi Arabia at home. Previously the Germans lost to Brazil and Austria, while drawing to France and Spain. The issues off the pitch has hurt the moral of the team too. Gundogan and Ozil’s meeting with Turkish president sparked a backlash with German fans.
The defending champions will play their opening match against Mexico on 17 June. Sweden and South Korea also belongs to the group. Low will be hoping that the off-field controversies doesn’t effect the performance of Ozil and Gundogan.