Mesut Ozil’s father, Mustafa has said he would retire from international duty if he were in his son’s shoes.
The Arsenal star had a disappointing FIFA World Cup 2018 in Russia.
The Arsenal playmaker was targeted for criticism in the aftermath of the 2018 champions’ premature exit from the ongoing World Cup. His future on the international scene has been called into question.
In particular, he and Ilkay Gundogan have come under fire for being pictured meeting controversial Turkish President Recept Tayyip Erdogan before the tournament.
The 29-year-old also got booed in a pre-tournament friendly against Austria. After all the stories, Ozil’s father is disappointed with the people of Germany.
Ozil’s father Mustafa told Bild am Sonntag,
“If I were in his place, I would say: ‘Thank you, but that’s enough. He’s bent, disappointed and offended. Yes offended, his own fans booed him before the World Cup at the international in Austria, and he cannot understand why. He doesn’t always have to defend himself. He’s played in the national team for nine years … and became a world champion.”
“It’s always said that if we win, we win together, but if we lose, we lose because of Ozil. He’s booed and put up as a scapegoat – I completely understand that he is offended. Mesut’s been an example for years. The situation is absurd. He loves Germany and has shown commitment to his country. And, he’s presented as a scapegoat is so unfair,” he added.
Mustafa further added,
“Mesut is an athlete who wants to play football and has nothing to do with politics, which is why he did not think anything about the picture.”
Criticism is nothing new for Ozil. His laidback demeanour on the field has often attracted critics at club level.