Mustafi is held in Ozil after retirement in Germany

Shkodran Mustafi admits that Germany will miss Mesut Ozil but fully respects the "personal decision" of his Arsenal teammate to withdraw from international football

Criticized before the World Cup after meeting with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in the limelight after the holders fell to the first hurdle in Russia, finishing down the group F.

The 29-year-old used a series of statements on social media to express his disappointment at his treatment, claiming the criticism of his performances amounted to "racism" and accused senior German football officials of not doing enough to protect him, adding that he would no longer be available for Coach Joachim Low

Mustafi – who, along with Ozil, was part of the Germany team was crowned world champion in 2014 – has ruled in favor of his friend.

"That surprised me, he made his decision after this free time and he was thinking about his future. defender told reporters.

"I think it's a personal decision that he's taken in. As a teammate and friend, I'm by his side and he needs help, I will be there for him.

"Of course, I'm a little disappointed because I think he's an excellent footballer who has"

"From my point of view, we will miss him, but that's Is a personal decision and we must respect that.

Mustafi and Ozil are both members of the German national team. Arsenal touring Singapore under the direction of Unai Emery, who has overseen a series of new hires since the end of the 2017-18 season.

The arrival of central defender Sokratis Papastathopoulos of Borussia Dortmund adds another defensive option for the new head coach, but, rather than worry about his own future, Mustafi has hailed the additional competition.

"Well, the pressure is still on.You must always defend your place in the team and if you are not in the team, the pressure is there to claim a place in the 11th, "he said.

"This is not new, we are professionals and we have to handle the pressure and perform."