German keeper Manuel Neuer denies Ozil's racism claim
Manuel Neuer has cited that the German Football Association (DFB) has always integrated players. He said that the Mesut Ozil saga has taken a toll on the players. Ozil has been the center of controversy in recent times as he accused DFB president Reinhard Grindel of racism. The Arsenal player quit the national team following Germany's exit from the 2018 World Cup.
Why Ozil decided to call it a day?
The World Cup winning mid-fielder had released a statement on Twitter, citing discrimination and racism within German football. The player stated that he had received hate mails and threats, besides being blamed for Germany crashing out of the FIFA World Cup 2018. The Arsenal forward was also criticized, earlier in May, for appearing in a photograph alongside Turkish president Recep Tayyip Erdogan.
DFB backed its integration efforts
The DFB had issued a statement that they have always been associated with integration efforts in Germany from the grass-root level. The introduction of the Integration Award, creating the "1-0 to open arms" was also cited by them. DFB also stated that it stands for diversity, as well as respect tolerance and fair play. The DFB regretted Ozil's departure from the international team.
Neuer supports DFB and accepts Ozil's decision
Neuer has gone on to deny any racism within the team. As per reports he has opined that, "We've always tried to integrate all the players and we've also done everything for our team mates to make them feel good going into games." The player also added that Mesut made his own decision and that everybody in the German side accepts the same.
Ozil's journey in German national colors
Mesut Ozil has always been an asset since his debut in 2009. His assist helped Germany in the 2010 World Cup to reach the semi-final. The icing on the cake, for Ozil, was definitely the 2014 World Cup victory. Ozil has won the German Player of the Year a record 5 times. He scored 23 goals and 40 assists for Germany in 92 matches.
