Germany Chancellor Angela Merkel has commented on Mesut Ozil’s decision to retire from the national team.
Ozil released a statement on Twitter on Sunday stated that he no longer wants to play for the Germany national side.
The 29-year-old went onto state that he is unhappy by the way he has been treated by the German FA, fans and media.
Following the shock announcement from Mesut Ozil, Merkel’s spokeswoman Ulrike Demmer reiterated that people with migrant backgrounds were welcome in Germany.
“The chancellor values Mesut Ozil highly. He is a footballer who has contributed a great deal to the national team,” Ulrike Demmer told reporters.
“Now made a decision that must be respected.”
Ozil’s statement has also drawn a reaction from Justice Minister Katarina Barley who tweeted:
“It is an alarm signal when a great German footballer such as @MesutOzil1088 feels unwanted in his country because of racism and not represented by the DFB.”
Ozil played during both of Germany’s defeats at the 2018 World Cup.
The 29-year-old returned to first-team training with the rest of the Arsenal squad last week and will travel to Singapore for the Gunners tour of Asia.
Arsenal will take on Atletico Madrid in a friendly clash alter this week.
