Mesut Ozil shocked the world of football with his extraordinary three-piece statement announcing his retirement from international football.
Ozil revealed that racism and the disrespect he was shown were among the reasons for his decision.
The playmaker of Turkish origin felt he was being used to push certain politicians agenda.
Ozil made it clear he has been made to feel like an outcast in the country he was born in despite being a World Cup champions for Germany.
Manchester United legend and football pundit Rio Ferdinand made his feelings on the matter felt with a tweet writing: ‘Massive Respect’.
Massive Respect ?? @MesutOzil1088 //t.co/2QbHQ958VF
— Rio Ferdinand (@rioferdy5) July 23, 2018
Fans appeared to be pretty supportive of the stance in the comments.
Massive Respect Ferdie❤
— Mesut Özil ? (@WeAreOzil) July 23, 2018
Massive respect Rio!
— Engr. YusufKankara (@collabo21) July 23, 2018
I knew you would understand @rioferdy5 always a gentleman #SayNoToRacism
— Shehryar Sajjad (@ShehryarSajjad) July 23, 2018
Thanx Rio for support him ??
— Mohd Fadzli (@rocka_fly) July 23, 2018