Mesut Ozil announces international retirement, cites racial abuse as reason
Arsenal and Germany mid-fielder, Mesut Ozil, took to Twitter to announce his international retirement. Ozil stated that racial abuse from certain sections of the fans and DFB President, Reinhard Grindel, has forced him to take this decision. Moreover, Ozil and his family were subject to death threats after Germany were knocked out of the group stage of the 2018 World Cup.
Why was Ozil subject to such harsh words?
In his statement, the German star said that he has been unfairly discriminated, after his meeting with Turkish President, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, in May. Erdogan has been accused of human rights violation in Turkey. German fans had also hurled racial slurs at Ozil after Germany's early exit from the 2018 World Cup in Russia.
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.
Ozil's official statement
Ozil's statement on Twitter read, "It is with a heavy heart and after much consideration that because of recent events I will no longer be playing for Germany at international level whilst I have this feeling of racism and disrespect". "...when high-ranking DFB officials treat me as they did, disrespect my Turkish roots and selfishly turn me into political propaganda, then enough is enough."
Our opinion
Football is a game where everyone comes out to the field as one. Its popularity should always be used for promoting equality, peace and respect. Racism and death threats have no place in the beautiful game. What has happened to Mesut Ozil is heartbreaking.
