Mesut Özil shuts door on Germany return
The attacking midfielder has found a new home in Turkey and will look to reinvigorate his career after a shaky end at Arsenal.
Mesut Özil has shrugged off a return to Germany, whether it be to the Bundesliga or the German national team. He spoke to the press for the first time in Turkey after his move to Istanbul giants Fenerbahce and made it clear he won’t be going back on his decision to retire from international football, at only 32.
He signed a three-and-a-half year contract deal with Fenerbahce after a disappointing end to his Arsenal career in England. After finding success in initial years at the Emirates Stadium, his latter years turned out to be unproductive with lack of game time under Unai Emery and Mikel Arteta.
On the international level, he had a rocky climax surrounded by controversies – mainly citing disrespect and racism as his reason to call it a day in 2018 with the German national team.
"When I go down a path, I never turn back. So I will not play in the German National Team anymore. I wish them all the success," said Özil.
When quizzed on possible return to the Bundesliga, where he first made his name with Schalke 04 and Werder Bremen, he said he does not think about it and is now purely focused on his new club.
Özil, who is of Turkish descent, will now look to make a mark in the Super Lig at the Sucru Saracoglu Stadium.