Özil's agent blasts Neuer, Kroos and Müller: 'They are either naive or scheming'
Mesut Özil's agent, Erkut Sögüt, has taken a swipe at Manuel Neuer, Toni Kroos and Thomas Müller.
Mesut Özil's agent, Erkut Sögüt, says he is disappointed by the comments made by Manuel Neuer, Toni Kroos and Thomas Müller in relation to his client's decision to quit the national team.
According to Sögüt, the statements made by the three experienced internationals were "more than disappointing and out of place".
"Neuer indirectly accuses Mesut of not being proud to have worn the German national jersey. That is not acceptable. Müller didn't understand the discussion. And as an experienced international, Kroos should declare what he means by the accusation of 'nonsense'," Sögüt told 11Freunde and added:
"There are only two explanations for their statements: they are either naive or scheming."
Özil announced his decision to quit the German national team in July by releasing a statement in which he claimed he had been a victim of racism and that his commitment to Germany has been questioned because of his Turkish heritage.
When asked to comment on Özil's resignation, Neuer said that the German Football Association must find "players who are really proud to play for the national team and will give everything to play for their country".
Meanwhile, Thomas Müller claimed the matter was blown out of proportion and that "racism within the national team was never an issue" while Toni Kroos said Özil's statement contained a large amount of "nonsense".