Manchester City playmaker Ilkay Gundogan has backed his international teammate and Arsenal star Mesut Ozil.

Both Ozil and Gundogan were heavily criticised by the German press after the duo posed for a photo with Turkey President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

Things got worse for Ozi after Germany crashed out of the 2018 World Cup in the group stage.

The 29-year-old was singled out by ex-Germany internationals and the German press.

Ozil opted to quit the national team citing racism and discrimination.

Gundogan has expressed his regret over Mesut Ozil’s retirement while suggesting that racist attitudes did contribute to his decision.

“Was the affair racially motivated? You’re telling me! Is it not racism when a German politician writes on Facebook: ‘The German national football team: 25 Germans and two goat f***ers?'” Ilkay Gundogan told Funke Sport .

“That’s something you have to call racism. Nevertheless, that does not mean that all people in Germany are racists – not at all. Almost all my life I have had good experiences in Germany. I want to say that very clearly here. But there are people who have politically used the resulting photo for themselves. And in this context, the line to racism was partially crossed.”

Gundogan provided the assist for Man City’s only goal during their 1-1 draw with Wolves on Saturday. City are back in action this weekend when they take on Newcastle United.

Meanwhile, Arsenal take on the newly promoted Cardiff City.