Mesut Ozil goes into Turkish politics with ruling party
1 month, 1 week ago

Mesut Ozil goes into Turkish politics with ruling party

The Hindu  

Former Germany, Real Madrid and Arsenal star Mesut Ozil, who retired in 2023, was elected Sunday to the ruling Justice and Development Party party of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, the party announced. The German-born 2014 World Cup winner became a member of the AKP’s central council at a congress in Ankara where Erdogan was re-elected for the ninth time as head of the conservative party which has ruled Turkey since 2002. Ozil, who ended his club career in Istanbul, is a longtime Erdogan supporter, having chosen him as his best man in 2019 for his wedding to a former Miss Turkey, Amine Gülse. A photo of Ozil and Erdogan with former Germany teammate Ilkay Guendogan, also of Turkish origin, caused controversy, with Berlin accusing the Turkish head of state of repressive drift, while Ozil was criticised by the German far right.

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History of this topic

Turkish Court Orders Erdogan Rival Jailed Pending Trial On Corruption Charges As Protests Grow
Top News
1 week ago

Turkish Court Orders Erdogan Rival Jailed Pending Trial On Corruption Charges As Protests Grow

Huff Post  

FILE - Istanbul's Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu addresses his supporters in front of the Istanbul courthouse, in Istanbul, Turkey, Friday, Jan. 31, 2025. via Associated Press ISTANBUL — Hundreds of thousands of opposition supporters gathered outside Istanbul city hall Sunday night to protest the arrest of the city’s mayor, a key rival to Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. People cast their …

Turkish court orders Erdogan rival jailed pending trial on corruption charges as protests grow
1 week ago

Turkish court orders Erdogan rival jailed pending trial on corruption charges as protests grow

Associated Press  

ISTANBUL — Hundreds of thousands of opposition supporters gathered outside Istanbul city hall Sunday night to protest the arrest of the city’s mayor, a key rival to Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. People cast their ballots in a Republican People's Party or polling station during a symbolic election to show solidarity with Istanbul's Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu after he was arrested, …

Former Arsenal star Mesut Ozil is BARRED from return to his former club 'over links to far-right Turkish group' who once tried to assassinate the Pope - and whose emblem he has tattooed on him
1 week, 5 days ago

Former Arsenal star Mesut Ozil is BARRED from return to his former club 'over links to far-right Turkish group' who once tried to assassinate the Pope - and whose emblem he has tattooed on him

Daily Mail  

Mesut Ozil is one of the finest players of his generation and was adored almost universally in his prime, but has found himself banned from his former club reportedly due to his political affiliations. Earlier this year the former midfielder was named on the Central Decision and Management Board for the ruling Justice and Development Party party of Turkish President …

Turkey’s main opposition party elects Ozgur Ozel as new leader
1 year, 4 months ago

Turkey’s main opposition party elects Ozgur Ozel as new leader

Associated Press  

ISTANBUL — Turkey’s main opposition party voted for fresh leadership in the early hours of Sunday, five months after a devastating election defeat that saw President Recep Tayyip Erdogan extend his two-decade rule. Ozgur Ozel replaced Kemal Kilicdaroglu after delegates of the Republican People’s Party, or the CHP, elected him as new leader. The results in a second round of …

Turkish anti-migrant party backs President Erdogan’s rival in presidential runoff
1 year, 10 months ago

Turkish anti-migrant party backs President Erdogan’s rival in presidential runoff

The Hindu  

A hard-line anti-migrant party on May 24 threw its weight behind the Opposition candidate who is running against President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in this weekend’s runoff presidential race. Umit Ozdag, the leader of the far-right Victory Party, announced his support for main Opposition party leader Kemal Kilicdaroglu, who will be facing off against Mr. Erdogan on May 28. Mr. Ozdag’s …

Erdogan wins key endorsement for Turkish runoff election
1 year, 10 months ago

Erdogan wins key endorsement for Turkish runoff election

LA Times  

Sinan Ogan, center, the nationalist presidential candidate, is surrounded by supporters in Ankara, Turkey, on May 4. The candidate who finished in third place in last week’s Turkish presidential elections formally endorsed President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Monday for the runoff vote to be held May 28. Nationalist candidate Sinan Ogan, 55, has emerged as a potential kingmaker after neither …

Turkey Presidential Election: A look at whether Tayyip Erdogan's two-decade rule will end on 14 May
1 year, 10 months ago

Turkey Presidential Election: A look at whether Tayyip Erdogan's two-decade rule will end on 14 May

Firstpost  

Turkey will hold national elections on Sunday that look set to be the toughest test of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s long political career. After ruling the country for two decades, polls showed Erdogan neck-and-neck with rival Kemal Kilicdaroglu, the candidate fielded jointly by the opposition Nation’s Alliance. Erdogan’s key challenger Kemal Kilicdaroglu Erdogan’s chief rival Kilicdaroglu, head of the main …

Former Arsenal midfielder Mesut Özil retires at 34
2 years ago

Former Arsenal midfielder Mesut Özil retires at 34

Associated Press  

ISTANBUL — Former Real Madrid and Arsenal midfielder Mesut Özil, who won the World Cup with Germany in 2014, retired from soccer Wednesday at the age of 34. His international career ended abruptly in 2018 when he quit the Germany squad citing “racism and disrespect.” That followed anti-Turkish comments from German politicians and abuse from some fans toward Özil, who …

World Cup fans remind Germany of racism towards ex-teammate Ozil
2 years, 4 months ago

World Cup fans remind Germany of racism towards ex-teammate Ozil

Al Jazeera  

Images of Mesut Ozil were displayed at the Germany vs Spain game following the German side’s protest over the ban on ‘One Love’ armband from World Cup. Football fans in Qatar have appeared to hit back at the German team’s World Cup protest over the ban on “One Love” armbands by holding pictures of Germany’s former team player Mesut Ozil …

Mesut Ozil is named in Istanbul Basaksehir squad for the first time
2 years, 7 months ago

Mesut Ozil is named in Istanbul Basaksehir squad for the first time

Daily Mail  

Former Arsenal and Germany midfielder Mesut Ozil was named in a matchday squad for new club Istanbul Basaksehir for the first time this evening, but failed to come off the bench in a 1-1 draw against Royal Antwerp in the Europa Conference League. Ozil joined the Turkish side from rivals Fenerbahce in July after falling out with former manager Ismail …

Transfer News: Mesut Ozil Joins 2020 Turkish Champions Istanbul Basaksehir
2 years, 8 months ago

Transfer News: Mesut Ozil Joins 2020 Turkish Champions Istanbul Basaksehir

News 18  

German World Cup winning midfielder Mesut Ozil signed for 2020 Turkish champions Basaksehir on Thursday, a day after he left their rivals Fenerbahce. “Our club has signed a one year contract with the option of another year with Mesut Özil," Basaksehir said in a statement. Basaksehir is known for its close ties with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, who was …

Who is Mesut Ozil, the Turkish ethno-supremacist passed off by Indian 'liberals' as just another international figure
2 years, 10 months ago

Who is Mesut Ozil, the Turkish ethno-supremacist passed off by Indian 'liberals' as just another international figure

Op India  

As India grows more powerful, our enemies become more and more sophisticated. And then some Indian Gunga Dins with blue ticks, or at least some Indian heritage, show up to defend the “international figures.” Their defense is peppered with condescension for the political culture of India. Turkey President at Ozil’s wedding So, Ozil is not your average “international figure” as …

Mesut Ozil told to put commercial interests to one side by Fenerbahce president Ali Koc
3 years, 4 months ago

Mesut Ozil told to put commercial interests to one side by Fenerbahce president Ali Koc

Daily Mail  

Mesut Ozil has been told to focus on football by Fenerbahce president Ali Koc, with the ex-Arsenal man struggling to find form in Turkey. Mesut Ozil has been told to focus on his football by Fenerbahce president Ali Koc It has been far from plain sailing for the 33-year-old since his move to Turkey from Arsenal 'Since the start of …

Ex-Arsenal star Mesut Ozil 'is unhappy at Fenerbahce and looking for a way out'
3 years, 6 months ago

Ex-Arsenal star Mesut Ozil 'is unhappy at Fenerbahce and looking for a way out'

Daily Mail  

Mesut Ozil is reportedly unhappy at Fenerbahce, just eight months after joining the Turkish side from Arsenal. Mesut Ozil is reportedly 'unhappy' at Fenerbahce amid reports of a move away from the club Ozil joined Fenerbahce in January after having his contract at Arsenal terminated He has fallen out of favour at the Turkish giants with speculation that clubs in …

Mesut Ozil stoked to represent Fenerbahce after Arsenal departure
4 years, 2 months ago

Mesut Ozil stoked to represent Fenerbahce after Arsenal departure

The Hindu  

New Fenerbahce signing Mesut Ozil said on Wednesday he was at the club he loved but reiterated his commitment to not be available for the German national team, which he quit two years ago. Ozil had long been linked with a move to Fenerbahce, and his eventual move was lauded by Turkish media as one of the most significant transfers …

Mesut Ozil Looks Forward to Playing Again at Fenerbahce but Shuts Door on Germany Return
4 years, 2 months ago

Mesut Ozil Looks Forward to Playing Again at Fenerbahce but Shuts Door on Germany Return

News 18  

New Fenerbahce signing Mesut Ozil said on Wednesday he was at the club he loved but reiterated his commitment to not be available for the German national team, which he quit two years ago. He was later marginalised under Wenger’s replacement Unai Emery and his successor Mikel Arteta, who said Ozil’s omission from the squad was for “football reasons”. Ozil …

Mesut Ozil Completes Move from Arsenal to Turkish Super Lig Club Fenerbahce
4 years, 2 months ago

Mesut Ozil Completes Move from Arsenal to Turkish Super Lig Club Fenerbahce

News 18  

German midfielder Mesut Ozil has joined Turkish Super Lig team Fenerbahce on a permanent transfer, with the Arsenal outcast signing a 3-1/2 year deal, the clubs announced on Sunday. “Together, we ended the club’s nine-year trophy drought and brought long needed silverware back to the fans who deserved it.” Ozil, 32, was marginalised under Wenger’s replacement Unai Emery and by …

Ozil confirms Fenerbahce move from Arsenal
4 years, 2 months ago

Ozil confirms Fenerbahce move from Arsenal

The Hindu  

German midfielder Mesut Ozil on Sunday confirmed his move from Arsenal to Turkey's Fenerbahce, saying he was "very excited" to play for the former Turkish champions and that he was fit to play despite missing nearly a year of football. Ozil, 32, has not played for Arsenal since March and was left out of the club's Premier League and Europa …

Mesut Ozil Confirms Fenerbahce Move from Arsenal, Says He is Fit to Play
4 years, 2 months ago

Mesut Ozil Confirms Fenerbahce Move from Arsenal, Says He is Fit to Play

News 18  

German midfielder Mesut Ozil on Sunday confirmed his move from Arsenal to Turkey’s Fenerbahce, saying he was “very excited” to play for the former Turkish champions and that he was fit to play despite missing nearly a year of football. Ozil, 32, has not played for Arsenal since March and was left out of the club’s Premier League and Europa …

Mesut Ozil will be tasked to restore old glories to Fenerbahce if move from Arsenal goes through
4 years, 2 months ago

Mesut Ozil will be tasked to restore old glories to Fenerbahce if move from Arsenal goes through

Daily Mail  

The club Mesut Ozil describes as the 'Real Madrid of Turkey' could certainly do with some Galactico magic. Mesut Ozil's exit from Arsenal to his favourite Turkish club Fenerbahce this month appears to be moving closer with the German playmaker keen for action after Mikel Arteta froze him out Ozil teased fans about a move to Fenerbahce, calling them the …

Mesut Ozil insists he has no regrets joining Arsenal and names future club
4 years, 2 months ago

Mesut Ozil insists he has no regrets joining Arsenal and names future club

The Independent  

Sign up to Miguel Delaney’s Reading the Game newsletter sent straight to your inbox for free Sign up to Miguel’s Delaney’s free weekly newsletter Sign up to Miguel’s Delaney’s free weekly newsletter SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Arsenal midfielder Mesut Ozil has been frozen out …

Outcast Mesut Ozil Has No Regrets About Joining Arsenal
4 years, 2 months ago

Outcast Mesut Ozil Has No Regrets About Joining Arsenal

News 18  

Arsenal midfielder Mesut Ozil has been frozen out of the team since March last year but the German playmaker said he has no regrets about joining the Premier League side. Reports in British media say Ozil could move from the London club in January and manager Mikel Arteta has said he would be allowed to leave if they received a …

Mesut Ozil insists he has 'never regretted' his decision to join Arsenal in 2013
4 years, 2 months ago

Mesut Ozil insists he has 'never regretted' his decision to join Arsenal in 2013

Daily Mail  

Arsenal midfielder Mesut Ozil has been frozen out of the team since March last year but the German playmaker said he has no regrets about joining the Premier League side. Mesut Ozil insists he does not regret his decision to leave Real Madrid for Arsenal at all The former Germany international was signed by former boss Arsene Wenger in 2013 …

Arsenal try to push through Mesut Ozil's departure
4 years, 2 months ago

Arsenal try to push through Mesut Ozil's departure

Daily Mail  

Arsenal are trying to clinch Mesut Ozil's early departure this month with the German's exile from the first team virtually certain to continue. The World Cup winner was not included in Mikel Arteta's Premier League or European squads for the opening half of the season and has not played for the club since March. Arsenal are trying to push through …

Arsenal misfit Mesut Ozil turns down a move to Fenerbahce
4 years, 8 months ago

Arsenal misfit Mesut Ozil turns down a move to Fenerbahce

Daily Mail  

Arsenal outcast Mesut Ozil has turned down a move to Turkish outfit Fenerbahce after they were unable to match his hefty salary, according to reports. Arsenal outcast Mesut Ozil has reportedly turned down a move to Turkish outfit Fenerbahce The 31-year-old has failed to feature under Mikel Arteta since the restart Ozil has just 12 months remaining on his £350,000-a-week …

Arsenal news: Mesut Ozil says racism in Germany has 'shifted to the middle of society'
5 years, 5 months ago

Arsenal news: Mesut Ozil says racism in Germany has 'shifted to the middle of society'

Daily Mail  

Mesut Ozil has opened up on his controversial picture with Turkish president Recep Tayyip Erdogan, which led to the Arsenal player feeling 'disrespected and unprotected' in Germany. Mesut Ozil has defended his controversial snap with Turkish president Recep Tayyip Erdogan In recent days he has sparked international condemnation for launching a military incursion into Syria to fight what he claims …

Ozil dines with Turkey's Recep Tayyip Erdogan during Ramadan iftar
5 years, 10 months ago

Ozil dines with Turkey's Recep Tayyip Erdogan during Ramadan iftar

The Hindu  

Arsenal's German midfielder Mesut Ozil dined with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan during a Ramadan iftar meal in Istanbul late on Saturday, a move likely to cause a backlash after previous meetings caused controversy. Images in Turkish media showed a smiling Ozil and model fiancee Amine Gulse, sitting at a table on either side of Erdogan at the Ottoman-era Dolmabahce …

Mesut Ozil invites Recep Tayyip Erdogan to his wedding
6 years ago

Mesut Ozil invites Recep Tayyip Erdogan to his wedding

The Hindu  

Arsenal's German midfielder Mesut Ozil has been criticised for reportedly inviting Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan to his wedding as his witness. Bild on Sunday ran the story on its front page with Ozil, 30, and his model fiancee Amine Gulse, 25, a former Miss Turkey, pictured inside presenting Erdogan with an invite to their wedding this summer. Ozil, who …

Erdogan claims double standards in Ozil controversy
6 years, 6 months ago

Erdogan claims double standards in Ozil controversy

The Hindu  

Turkish president Recep Tayyip Erdogan has branded criticism of Germany internationals Mesut Ozil and Ilkay Gundogan for meeting with him prior to the World Cup as "incomprehensible". After Joachim Low's side crashed out at the group stage of the tournament, Ozil released a lengthy statement insisting the meeting "had no political intentions". READ: Experience, stability bolster Germany's Euro 2024 bid …

Ilkay Gundogan feels corner has been turned after controversial meeting with Recep Erdogan
6 years, 6 months ago

Ilkay Gundogan feels corner has been turned after controversial meeting with Recep Erdogan

Daily Mail  

Ilkay Gundogan believes his reappearance in a German shirt marks a change in the strained relationship with fans that followed his controversial meeting alongside Mesut Ozil with Turkish President Recep Erdogan. Gundogan was whistled by a section of the Munich crowd when he came on as a second half substitute in Thursday's goalless draw against France but there was also …

UEFA Nations League: Mesut Ozil's absence after racism fallout casts shadow over German national team
6 years, 6 months ago

UEFA Nations League: Mesut Ozil's absence after racism fallout casts shadow over German national team

Firstpost  

Ozil quit the national team in July after being made a scapegoat for Germany’s early World Cup exit and a target for racist abuse. Without the Arsenal midfielder on the field, Germany tried hard but ultimately failed to break through France’s defense, playing out a 0-0 draw on Thursday in the UEFA Nations League. The 29-year-old Ozil quit the national …

Mesut Ozil's absence casts shadow over German national team
6 years, 6 months ago

Mesut Ozil's absence casts shadow over German national team

India TV News  

The start of Germany's post-Mesut Ozil era showed Germany is missing a player like Mesut Ozil. Without the Arsenal midfielder on the field, Germany tried hard but ultimately failed to break through France's defense, playing out a 0-0 draw Thursday in the UEFA Nations League. The 29-year-old Ozil quit the national team in July after being made a scapegoat for …

German FA boss Grindel confident Ozil affair doesn't threaten Euro 2024 bid
6 years, 6 months ago

German FA boss Grindel confident Ozil affair doesn't threaten Euro 2024 bid

The Hindu  

The under-pressure president of the German Football Association, Reinhard Grindel, has told AFP he is confident the controversy over Mesut Ozil's international retirement will not have a negative impact on Germany's bid to host Euro 2024. Ozil, capped 92 times, walked away from the Germany setup in the wake of its disastrous World Cup campaign, complaining of facing “racism and …

Ilkay Gundogan condemns 'racially motivated' treatment of Mesut Ozil
6 years, 7 months ago

Ilkay Gundogan condemns 'racially motivated' treatment of Mesut Ozil

The Independent  

Sign up to Miguel Delaney’s Reading the Game newsletter sent straight to your inbox for free Sign up to Miguel’s Delaney’s free weekly newsletter Sign up to Miguel’s Delaney’s free weekly newsletter SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Ilkay Gundogan has condemned the treatment of Mesut …

Gundogan sympathises with Ozil but won't retire from Germany duty
6 years, 7 months ago

Gundogan sympathises with Ozil but won't retire from Germany duty

The Hindu  

Ilkay Gundogan sympathises with Mesut Ozil over his treatment following the infamous Recep Tayyip Erdogan photograph but will not follow the Arsenal star into international retirement. Germany stars Gundogan and Ozil met the controversial Turkey president ahead of the World Cup, with the Manchester City midfielder issuing a swift apology after a backlash. RELATED | Ozil quits international football Ozil …

Germany: Freid Bobic critical of 'cowardly' Mesut Ozil
6 years, 8 months ago

Germany: Freid Bobic critical of 'cowardly' Mesut Ozil

The Hindu  

Former Germany international Fredi Bobic has branded Mesut Ozil "cowardly" for using social media to air his grievances with the German Football Federation. Ozil announced his retirement from international football last Sunday citing a "feeling of disrespect" for his Turkish roots as forcing the decision. "I think that's a bit cowardly, frankly," the Slovenia-born former Stuttgart striker told Bild. Ozil's …

German Football chief rejects Mesut Ozil's racism accusations, but admits not doing enough to protect midfielder
6 years, 8 months ago

German Football chief rejects Mesut Ozil's racism accusations, but admits not doing enough to protect midfielder

Firstpost  

In a four-page statement announcing his decision to quit playing football for Germany on Sunday, Mesut Ozil singled out football federation boss Reinhard Grindel with harsh words. In a four-page statement announcing his decision to quit playing football for Germany on Sunday, Ozil singled out football federation boss Reinhard Grindel with harsh words. ‘Unbearable, unacceptable’ “On hindsight, I should have …

N’Golo Kante, Mesut Ozil and belonging
6 years, 8 months ago

N’Golo Kante, Mesut Ozil and belonging

Al Jazeera  

Earlier this month, France held nation-wide celebrations after it won its second ever World Cup trophy. Ozil, who like Kante was born in Europe to immigrant parents, announced his retirement from the German national team due to the racism he endured from the German Football Association, segments of the German media, and some fans. By denouncing this momentary expression of …

Mesut Ozil's international retirement raises questions of integration in German society
6 years, 8 months ago

Mesut Ozil's international retirement raises questions of integration in German society

ABC  

Sections of the German media have slammed Mesut Ozil after he announced his international retirement, amid accusations of racism. The paper also published scathing comments from Bayern Munich president Uli Hoeness, who described Ozil as, "playing dirt for years". " Hoeness's extraordinary attack included comments on Ozil's perceived inability to tackle, with the 66-year-old former German international erroneously claiming: "He …

German Football Association deny Mesut Ozil's claim of racism; ask 2014 World cup winner to explain picture with Turkish president
6 years, 8 months ago

German Football Association deny Mesut Ozil's claim of racism; ask 2014 World cup winner to explain picture with Turkish president

Firstpost  

The German Football Association on Monday rejected claims of racism against their president Reinhard Grindel made by Mesut Ozil in his announcement that he has retired from international football. “We reject the notion that the DFB is associated with racism,” read a statement, which added that “the DFB stands for diversity, from the representatives at the top to the boundless, …

Mesut Ozil's resentful Germany departure draws mixed response at home
6 years, 8 months ago

Mesut Ozil's resentful Germany departure draws mixed response at home

India TV News  

Mesut Ozil's angry departure from Germany's national team amid accusations of racism drew mixed reactions at home Monday, prompting both sharp criticism of the player and concern over the country's attitude toward Germans with foreign roots. But he said that Ozil, in complaining that he's only viewed as German when Germany wins, "certainly speaks from the heart of a great …

Bellerin takes swipe at Ozil critics following Arsenal team-mate's international retirement
6 years, 8 months ago

Bellerin takes swipe at Ozil critics following Arsenal team-mate's international retirement

Daily Mail  

Hector Bellerin has blasted Mesut Ozil's critics following the Germany midfielder's decision to retire from international football. Hector Bellerin has backed Mesut Ozil's decision to retire from international duty Surreal that someone who has done so much for his country on and off the pitch has been treated with such disrespect. Ozil, who is a third-generation Turkish-German, has been the …

'Mesut Ozil has scored the most beautiful goal against virus of fascism', Turkish ministers applaud decision to quit Germany
6 years, 8 months ago

'Mesut Ozil has scored the most beautiful goal against virus of fascism', Turkish ministers applaud decision to quit Germany

Firstpost  

Turkish ministers on Monday warmly applauded the decision of Turkish-origin German footballer Mesut Ozil to quit the national team on the grounds of racism, with one senior minister hailing “a goal against the virus of fascism.” Istanbul: Turkish ministers on Monday warmly applauded the decision of Turkish-origin German footballer Mesut Ozil to quit the national team on the grounds of …

Germany's Mesut Ozil quits international football citing racism and lack of respect
6 years, 8 months ago

Germany's Mesut Ozil quits international football citing racism and lack of respect

India TV News  

Mesut Ozil is quitting Germany's national team following criticism over his decision to pose for a picture with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. Citing anti-Turkish comments from far-right politicians and fans, Ozil said he would "no longer be playing for Germany at international level whilst I have this feeling of racism and disrespect." "This crosses a personal line that should …

Mesut Ozil quits the German national team citing 'racism and disrespect'
6 years, 8 months ago

Mesut Ozil quits the German national team citing 'racism and disrespect'

ABC  

German football star Mesut Ozil says he will no longer play for the national team because his Turkish roots made him a target of "racism and disrespect". Ozil, 29, was a key member of Germany's World Cup-winning side in 2014 and has been voted by fans as the team's player of the year five times since 2011. Ozil, who also …

Ozil quits Germany squad in spat over Turkey president photo
6 years, 8 months ago

Ozil quits Germany squad in spat over Turkey president photo

Associated Press  

BERLIN — Mesut Ozil is quitting Germany’s national team following criticism over his decision to pose for a picture with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. Citing anti-Turkish comments from far-right politicians and fans, Ozil said he would “no longer be playing for Germany at international level whilst I have this feeling of racism and disrespect.” He added: “Racism should never, …

Ozil quits international football after World Cup debacle
6 years, 8 months ago

Ozil quits international football after World Cup debacle

The Hindu  

Mesut Ozil said on Sunday he was quitting the German national football team, citing “racism” in the criticism of him in the side's World Cup debacle. “Whilst I attempted to explain to Grindel my heritage, ancestry and therefore reasoning behind the photo, he was far more interested in speaking about his own political views and belittling my opinion.” Ozil said …

Footballer Mesut Ozil defends picture with Turkish President Reccep Tayyip Erdogan amidst criticism from Germany
6 years, 8 months ago

Footballer Mesut Ozil defends picture with Turkish President Reccep Tayyip Erdogan amidst criticism from Germany

Firstpost  

Berlin: Footballer Mesut Ozil said on Sunday that he had no regrets about his controversial photograph with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan that sparked questions about his loyalty to Germany’s national squad ahead of the World Cup. Whilst I grew up in Germany, my family background has its roots firmly based in Turkey,” he said, adding, “I have two hearts, …

Mesut Ozil defends meeting with Turkey's President Erdogan
6 years, 8 months ago

Mesut Ozil defends meeting with Turkey's President Erdogan

Daily Mail  

Mesut Ozil has issued a staunch defence of his meeting with Turkey's controversial president Recep Tayyip Erdogan, saying turning down the meeting would have been 'disrespectful' to his ancestors. Ozil, who has always been proud of his Turkish heritage, presented Erdogan with a signed Arsenal shirt during a London meeting back in May. Germany star Mesut Ozil poses with Turkish …

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