Arsenal star Mesut Ozil celebrated the 95th anniversary of the founding of the Republic of Turkey with an Instagram story message to his followers today.
The Republic Day – Cumhuriyet Bayrami – commemorates the proclamation of the Republic of Turkey in 1923.
Ozil was not born in Turkey but is of Turkish origin and remains a popular celebrity in the country of his parents.
The playmaker is also engaged to former Miss World Turkey 2014.
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Celebrations and festivities will be held in Turkey and Turkish diaspora communities throughout the day.
Ozil had the right to play for Turkey at senior level but opted for Germany where he lifted the World Cup in 2014 before retiring this summer citing racism and discrimination as being factors behind his call.
The 30-year-old is one of four players of Turkish origin in the Premier League alongside fellow Germany born Manchester City midfielder Ilkay Gundogan and Everton striker Cenk Tosun and Leicester City defender Caglar Soyuncu who was born in Turkey.
Tosun and Soyuncu represent Turkey at international level while Gundogan plays for Germany.
