Ozil proudly wears Turkish flag chain after quitting German national team over ‘racism and disrespect’

The playmaker was criticised for posing with Turkish president Recep Tayyip Erdogan before last year's disastrous World Cup campaign - but has remained loyal to his family roots

Posted Friday, May 03, 2019 by Thesun.co.uk

MESUT OZIL proudly wore a Turkish flag chain as he arrived at the Emirates tonight.

The former Germany international, 30, has family roots from Turkey despite representing Die Mannschaft 92 times, winning the World Cup in 2014.

Mesut Ozil wore a chain with the Turkish flag this evening as he arrived at Arsenal's game against Valencia

But his support with Turkish president Recep Tayyip Erdogan caused controversy, especially when he was photographed alongside the national leader on the eve of last summer's disastrous World Cup.

The Arsenal star believed he was hung out to dry by the German FA after he suffered a wave of xenophobic and racist attacks for posing with Erdogan.

Ozil has Turkish heritage and was accused of endorsing the 65-year-old politician's bid for re-election - despite regularly insisting that they only spoke about football.

After the pictures emerged, the midfielder was then booed in all of Germany’s World Cup games as the defending champions tumbled out of the group stage.

The following month Ozil broke his silence on the matter to officially retire from international football after accusing DFB president Reinhard Grindel of "racism and disrespect".

But since then, Ozil has not shied away from his Turkish background.

NOT CHAINED DOWN

In March, he sparked more anger in Germany as he and fiancée Amine Gulse personally invited Erdogan to their wedding as guest of honour.

And displayed that loyalty once again with the chain tonight.

Ozil returned to the Arsenal starting line-up tonight - after missing the defeat at Leicester - as Arsenal earned a 3-1 first-leg victory over Valencia in their Europa League semi-final.

Mouctar Diakhaby put the Spaniards in front but an Alexandre Lacazette double turned the game on its head.

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang added a crucial third in the 90th minute to put one Arsenal foot in Baku's final.

And in more good news for Arsenal, Ozil revealed earlier he is happy to stay at Arsenal until at least the end of his contract in 2021.

He told Sky Sports: "Absolutely. I've got two more years on my contract.

"I don't know after that but I've got two years left."

Asked if he is happy in North London, he added: "Yes. Why not? I'm 30 now, still got years in front of me, it's down to the club as well of course, but I've got two years here - after that I don't know what happens."