Ozil quits Germany

[Mikey_Fitzgerald]

“It is with a heavy heart and after much consideration that because of recent events I will no longer be playing for Germny at international level whilst I have this feeling of racism and disrespect. I used to wear the German shirt with such pride and excitement, but now I don’t. I feel unwanted and think that what I have achieved since my international debut in 2009 has been forgotten. When high-ranking DFB officials disrespect my Turkish roots and selfishly turn me into political propaganda, then enough is enough.”

“A German fan told me after the game, ‘Özil, [RUDE WORD] off you Turkish [RUDE WORD], [RUDE WORD] off you Turkish pig.’ I don’t want to even discuss the hate mail, threatening phone calls and comments on social media that my family and I have received.

“They all represent a Germany of the past, a Germany that I am not proud of. I am confident that many proud Germans who embrace an open society would agree with me.”

 

[Deleted member 28206]

Oh no. My hear is breaking.

 

[larbert toffee]

Oh no. My hear is breaking.

Hear,Hear.

 

[KaiserEFC]

I get where he’s coming from, but spending time with Erdogan probably hasn’t worked in his favour

 

[dholliday]

I've seen Özil play live, he's like Henry & Le Tissier in that he often appears just lounging around, which the uneducated football fan might interpret as lazy. But, like Henry & Le Tiss, he's reading the game and waiting for the right moment to burst into action.

The 'lazy' style plus his turkishness was already a combi which would attract the haters, but him visiting Erdogan and sharing his selfie at Mecca was the final straw for some of the more rabid fanbase.

While there is a profound issue of Islam's influence in Germany, it shouldn't mix with football. I'm on Özil's side on this one and understand his decision. Saying that, his very long statement (much longer than posted here) is arguably unnecessarily fanning the flames, among other things he's laying into the DFB boss. A more diplomatic way to quit would be to just do it Shearer or Rooney style and say you're gonna focus only on club football now to better increase the chances of a longer playing career. Leave the politics for the autobiography later.

But I do understand why he wanted to make that statement. There may be justification for concern about Islam in Germany, but there's never justification to dish out hate & abuse to anyone, nevermind one of our World Champions.

 

[stipe]

It was stupid for him to take picture with Erdogan but thing is he was and still is easy victim for media and fans in a same way Sterling is for English media and some fans

 

[YoboCopter]

getting dog abuse from that bayern munich fella isnt he

 

[larrygobfiend]

I've seen Özil play live, he's like Henry & Le Tissier in that he often appears just lounging around, which the uneducated football fan might interpret as lazy. But, like Henry & Le Tiss, he's reading the game and waiting for the right moment to burst into action.

The 'lazy' style plus his turkishness was already a combi which would attract the haters, but him visiting Erdogan and sharing his selfie at Mecca was the final straw for some of the more rabid fanbase.

While there is a profound issue of Islam's influence in Germany, it shouldn't mix with football. I'm on Özil's side on this one and understand his decision. Saying that, his very long statement (much longer than posted here) is arguably unnecessarily fanning the flames, among other things he's laying into the DFB boss. A more diplomatic way to quit would be to just do it Shearer or Rooney style and say you're gonna focus only on club football now to better increase the chances of a longer playing career. Leave the politics for the autobiography later.

But I do understand why he wanted to make that statement. There may be justification for concern about Islam in Germany, but there's never justification to dish out hate & abuse to anyone, nevermind one of our World Champions.

Is there room for being "diplomatic" when a person feels they're a victim of racism?

 

[dholliday]

Is there room for being "diplomatic" when a person feels they're a victim of racism?

of course there is. Rise above it. Michelle Obama says much the same, as did MLK.

 

[larrygobfiend]

of course there is. Rise above it. Michelle Obama says much the same, as did MLK.

So Ozil feels he's been persecuted by the German media, but should just let it slide and carry on as if nothing has happened? Is this the general attitude towards it in Germany? If so, I find it all a bit disturbing.

 

[dholliday]

So Ozil feels he's been persecuted by the German media, but should just let it slide and carry on as if nothing has happened? Is this the general attitude towards it in Germany? If so, I find it all a bit disturbing.

EDIT: i'm not responsible for that abuse of language...*you're ffs

 

[larrygobfiend]

I'm saying that I find your attitude weird. "A more diplomatic way to quit would be to just do it Shearer or Rooney style and say you're gonna focus only on club football now" - I think there might be a bit of a difference here mate.

 

[Ameen]

I've seen Özil play live, he's like Henry & Le Tissier in that he often appears just lounging around, which the uneducated football fan might interpret as lazy. But, like Henry & Le Tiss, he's reading the game and waiting for the right moment to burst into action.

The 'lazy' style plus his turkishness was already a combi which would attract the haters, but him visiting Erdogan and sharing his selfie at Mecca was the final straw for some of the more rabid fanbase.

While there is a profound issue of Islam's influence in Germany, it shouldn't mix with football. I'm on Özil's side on this one and understand his decision. Saying that, his very long statement (much longer than posted here) is arguably unnecessarily fanning the flames, among other things he's laying into the DFB boss. A more diplomatic way to quit would be to just do it Shearer or Rooney style and say you're gonna focus only on club football now to better increase the chances of a longer playing career. Leave the politics for the autobiography later.

But I do understand why he wanted to make that statement. There may be justification for concern about Islam in Germany, but there's never justification to dish out hate & abuse to anyone, nevermind one of our World Champions.

This.

 

[dholliday]

I'm saying that I find your attitude weird. "A more diplomatic way to quit would be to just do it Shearer or Rooney style and say you're gonna focus only on club football now" - I think there might be a bit of a difference here mate.

It's weird to rise above hate and be diplomatic? When did that happen?

 

[chrismpw]

Good on him. Makes a refreshing change to find a pro who's prepared to take action and say anything other than what their media consultants allow.