OZIL QUITS WITH FINAL BLAST AT RACIST GERMANY
Arsenal star says he was made World Cup scapegoat because of his Turkish roots
MESUT OZIL has quit the Germany team, claiming he has been a victim of “racism and disrespect” in his homeland. The Arsenal midfielder was made scapegoat for Germany’s group-stage exit from the World Cup in Russia. Ozil was singled out for criticism in his homeland for his perceived lack of effort and commitment as Germany limped home after three bitterly disappointing performances. The 29-year-old was blasted for his showing in Germany’s opening 1-0 defeat by Mexico before being dropped for the last-gasp 2-1 victory over Sweden. He returned to Germany’s starting line-up for their must-win clash with South Korea but flopped miserably as Joachim Loew’s side lost 2-0 and crashed out. After more than two weeks of stinging criticism, with even the German Chancellor Angela Merkel (above) moved to comment, Ozil broke his silence with three statements released on social media, concluding with his decision to turn his back on the national team after 92 caps and 23 goals.
“It is with a heavy heart and after much consideration that I say I will no longer be playing for Germany at international level while I have this feeling of racism and disrespect,” said Ozil.
“I used to wear the German shirt with such pride and excitement, but now I don’t. This decision has been extremely difficult to make because I have always given everything for my teammates, the coaching staff and the good people of Germany.
“But when high-ranking DFB (German FA) officials treat me as they did, disrespect my Turkish roots, and selfishly turn me into political propaganda, then enough is enough. That is not why I play football and I will not sit back and do nothing. Racism should never be accepted.”
Ozil caused a storm before the World Cup by posing with Turkey’s President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, along with Germany team-mate Ilkay Gundogan. Both players are of Turkish descent but their decision to pose with Erdogan ahead of his election victory caused outrage in Germany, with Ozil branded a traitor for his actions.
Ozil hit back at that criticism in his statements and said: “I’m aware that the picture of us caused a huge response in the German media. While some people may accuse me of lying or being deceitful, the picture we took had no political intentions. “My mother has never let me lose sight of my ancestry, heritage and family traditions.
“For me, having a picture with President Erdogan wasn’t about politics or elections, it was about me respecting the highest office of my family’s country.
“My job is a football player and not a politician, and our meeting was not an endorsement of any policies.
“The truth is that not meeting with the President would have been disrespecting the roots of my ancestors, who I know would be proud of where I am today.”