How the world has reacted to Özil's national team exit
Here is how the world has reacted to Mesut Özil's decision on quitting the national team.
| Aleksandar Dragovic (left) and Mesut Özil (right). | Photo: Granada, CC-by-SA 4.0 |
In the statement, Özil lashes out at German media outlets as well as the German Football Association and states that he feels he has been made a 'scapegoat' far too often. In addition to that, Özil feels he has been a victim of racism and that his commitment to Germany has been questioned because of his Turkish heritage.
Özil's decision has created a lot of fuss, and while some have reacted with support, others have criticised the Arsenal star. Below, we have gathered some of the reactions:
Uli Hoeness, Bayern München president (various German media outlets):
"I'm glad this scare is over. He has been crap for years. He won his last tackle before the World Cup in 2014. And now he hides himself and his crap performances behind this photo."
Ulrike Demmer, spokeswoman for German Chancellor Angela Merkel (AFP via DW):
"The chancellor values Mesut Özil highly, He is a footballer who has contributed a great deal to the national team."
Katarina Barley, German Justice Minister (Twitter):
"It's a warning sign when a large German footballer like Mesut Özil doesn't feel wanted in his country anymore and doesn't feel represented by the German Football Association."
Heiko Maas, German Minister for Foreign Affairs (DW):
"I don't think the case of a multi-millionaire living and working in England provides information about the ability to integrate in Germany."
Harald Stenger, ex-DFB Press Officer (ARD via DW):
"I've known many DFB Presidents over the years, and I can say that Reinhardt Grindel is the worst President in the last 50 years.
Abdulhamit Gul, Turkish Justice Minister (Twitter):
"I congratulate Mesut Özil who scored his best goal against the virus of fascism by leaving the German national team."
Hector Bellerin, Arsenal player and Özil's teammate (Twitter):
"Surreal that someone, who has done so much for his country on and off the pitch, has been treated with such disrespect. Well done @MesutOzil1088 for standing up to this behaviour!"
Matthias Ginter, Borussia Mönchengladbach player and German international (Revier Sport):
"He has his reasons. Personally, I can't say much about them. But it's a pity that such a good player quits."
Rio Ferdinand, football pundit and former English international (Instagram):
"Massive respect."
Jerome Boateng, Bayern München player and German international (Twitter):
"It was a pleasure Abi!"
Antonio Rüdiger, Chelsea player and German international (Twitter):
Thanks to one of the best footballers I've ever played with. The real ones will always remember the joy you brought us during your @DFB_Team career.
Julian Draxler, Paris Saint-Germain player and German international (Instagram):
"Mesut Abi, your technique and style has opened the door to the national team for players such as myself! Thank you for everything you‘ve done for German football. You can be proud of your many achievements."
Kevin-Prince Boateng, Sassuolo player and former player of Hertha BSC, Borussia Dortmund, Schalke 04 and Eintracht Frankfurt in the Bundesliga (Instagram):
"One of the best I've ever played against!! Danke @m10_official #misterassist"
