Germany midfielder, Mesut Ozil has retired from international football with immediate effect stating racism and disrespect as reasons.
Ozil decided to announce retirement due to the treatment he got from the DFB.
The Arsenal attacker claims the way the German football association has treated him makes him “no longer want to wear the German national team shirt.”
Ozil has released a second statement in response to the criticism both he and Ilkay Gundogan received in the wake of meeting with Turkish president. The Arsenal player this time aimed at the German media and disloyal sponsors.
Ozil released the first piece of a three-part statement on Sunday morning. He stated from the outset that there was no political agenda involved and he was merely paying respect to the political office of the country of his ancestors. The starting of the statement reads,
“I know that I am a footballer who has played in arguably the three toughest leagues in the world. I’ve been fortunate to receive great support from my teammates and coaching staff while playing in the Bundesliga, La Liga and the Premier League. And in addition, throughout my career, I’ve learnt to deal with the media.”
“A lot of people talk about my performances – many applaud, and many criticise. If a newspaper or pundit finds fault in a game I play in, then I can accept this. I’m not a perfect footballer, and this often motivates me to work and train harder. But what I can’t accept are German media outlets repeatedly blaming my dual-heritage. And, a simple picture for a bad World Cup on behalf of an entire squad.”
In the third statement, Ozil announced his retirement,
“It is with a heavy heart and after much consideration that because of recent events, I will no longer be playing for Germany at international level whilst I have this feeling of racism and disrespect.”
Ozil represented Germany in three World Cups, winning one in 2014, and was also named national team player of the year five times. Today racism won, football lost.