Mesut Ozil announces international retirement citing 'racism and disrespect'
Mesut Ozil
Ozil was a member of the Germany squad that went out of the World Cup in Russia at the group stage.
Mesut Ozil has confirmed his retirement from the international football with immediate effect due to the treatment he received from the German football association (DFB).
The 29-year-old took to Twitter and released a lengthy statement to share his thoughts and feelings about what has happened recently and mentioned 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."
At the international level, Ozil played 92 matches for the Germany national team, scoring 23 goals, and registered 40 assists.
"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. I used to wear the German shirt with such pride and excitement, but now I don't. I feel unwanted and think that what I have achieved since my international debut in 2009 has been forgotten."
In May, Ozil drew criticism at home after he met Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan, who has been accused of human rights abuses. He defended himself by saying that he was merely respecting the highest political office of his family's country.
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"My job is a football player and not a politician, and our meeting was not an endorsement of any policies. The treatment I have received from the DFB and many others makes me no longer want to wear the German national team shirt. I feel unwanted and think what I have achieved since my international debut in 2009 has been forgotten."
The Arsenal attacker was a member of the Germany squad that suffered a tragic exit from the World Cup in Russia at the group stage. Ozil was also facing the criticism for his performances during the tournament.