XtraTime Web Desk: Germany Head Coach Joachim Low confesses that he was disappointed with Mesut Ozil “on a human level” after the Arsenal star retired from international football without informing him first.
Ozil announced via social media in July he would not play for his country again, accusing German Football Federation (DFB) president Reinhard Grindel of discrimination and “incompetence”.
The outburst came after the midfielder felt he had been unfairly targeted for criticism following his meeting in May with controversial Turkish president Recep Tayyip Erdogan.
Ozil made his Germany debut under Low in 2009 and was part of the World Cup-winning side of 2014, and his former head coach still feels hurt that the player did not come to him first.
“Of course, I expected him to call me personally and inform me,” Low told ZDF after Germany’s 0-0 Nations League draw with France, adding, “Logically, that’s why I’m disappointed. I’m disappointed on a human level, too. We’ve been on this path together for many years.”
Ozil claimed he would not play for Germany “whilst I have this feeling of racism and disrespect”, suggesting he could be tempted back if there are institutional changes within the DFB.