Unexpected news. Mesut Ozil, midfielder for the German National Team and Arsenal in the Premier League, announced on social media his retirement from the 'Mannschaft' after the early elimination in the group stage of Russia 2018.
The 29-year-old player faced criticism after being photographed with the president of Turkey, Recep Tayyip Erdogan. This image was interpreted as explicit support for the reelection campaign of the Turkish leader, who maintains a tense relationship with Angela Merkel. Ozil expressed his thoughts on this controversial episode on his Twitter account.
"For me, taking a photo with President Erdogan has nothing to do with politics or elections, but with respect towards the highest office in the country of my family," the player posted.
It is worth mentioning that days after the disappointing participation of the German National Team in the World Cup, the player's father would have advised his son to leave the national team due to the constant extracurricular criticism he received from fans and German football legends.
Therefore, Mesut Ozil leaves the German National Team after 9 and a half years, 92 matches, 23 goals, and a World Cup won in Brazil 2014.
