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Mesut Ozil leaves the German national team following criticism of his decision to pose for a photo with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.
In a series of statements published Sunday on Twitter, the star of Arsenal announced his retirement from international football. He attacked the German Football Federation (DFB), its president, fans and the media, criticizing what he considered racism and double standards in the treatment of people of Turkish origin.
Citing anti-Turkish comments from far-right politicians fans, Ozil said he would "no longer play for Germany at the international level while I have that feeling of racism and disrespect. "
He added," Racism should never be accepted. "
Erdogan's photo Two months ago, Ilzil Gundogan's rally in London caused an uproar in Germany
at the time, the president of the German football federation, Reinhard Grindel, publicly accused the players – whose families came from Turkey – to afford to to be "exploited" by Erdogan for political purposes. Some German politicians have disputed Ozil and Gundogan's loyalty to Germany and have suggested that they be removed from the national team before the World Cup.
Gundogan is distanced from the photo, but Ozil refused to comment publicly until Sunday. part statement in English who defended his actions and attacked those who criticized him.
"The photo we took n & "He also took a shot in the German media who suggested that the 29-year-old midfielder was partly to blame," said Ozil, adding that "it was about of me to respect the highest functions of the country. " "It's a personal line that should never be crossed, as the newspapers are trying to overthrow the German nation against me," said Ozil, noting that there had been little criticism from the US. # 39; Germany. Former German captain Lothar Matthaeus at a recent meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin
Ozil however reserved his most vivid words to Grindel, alleging that the president of the federation had been "condescending" towards the player. "I will no longer be a scapegoat for his incompetence and inability to do his job properly," Ozil said, saying that Grindel had made "unforgivable and unforgettable" comments about immigrants and Muslims. On Twitter, Ozil said: "The treatment I received from the DFB and many others no longer allows me to wear the jersey of the German national team.
"I feel unwelcome and I think that" Ozil said he received the support of German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier and national team coach Joachim Low, "he said. eyes of Grindel and his followers, I am German when we win, but I am an immigrant when we lose. "
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