Kroos: Özil's racism claims are 'nonsense'
Toni Kroos says that a large part of Mesut Özil's explanation for quitting the national team is 'nonsense'.
German international Toni Kroos has taken a swipe at Mesut Özil following the Arsenal star's decision to quit the national team over the summer.
Özil announced his national team retirement by posting a statement in which he - among other things - stated that he feels that he has been a victim of racism and that his commitment to Germany has been questioned because of his Turkish heritage.
However, according to Kroos, that part of the statement can be considered 'nonsense'.
"Basically, Mesut is a deserved national team player, and as a footballer, he would have deserved a better exit. I have played with Mesut for many years, and I know that he's a nice guy," Kroos told Bild and added:
"The way he resigned was not okay. The part of his statement that is well and properly addressed is unfortunately overshadowed by the much larger part that is complete nonsense. I think that he himself knows that racism does not exist within the national team and the DFB. On the contrary, we are always committed to diversity and integration. Mesut was a good example of that, just as many of our other fellow players are."
Özil, 29, made his German international debut in 2009. He made 92 appearances for 'Die Mannschaft' and scored 23 goals.