Poor old Mesut Ozil is still getting hounded despite the abuse hurled at the Arsenal midfielder on Germany’s exit from the World Cup. Now the President of the DFB (German FA) Reinhard Grindel is demanding that Ozil gives a public explanation of why he was photographed with the Turkish President Iyyip Erdogan on the day before the World Cup began.
Grindel has indicated the matter had not yet been closed by the DFB and won’t be so until they have been given a statement by Ozil.
“It’s true that Mesut has not commented yet, which has disappointed many fans because they have questions and expect an answer, and they rightly expect that answer,” Grindel said.
“So it’s very clear to me that Mesut, when he returns from vacation, should also publicly give his view.
“We also want to wait and see how Mesut gets involved. It’s fair we give a well-deserved international who made a mistake a chance.”
This is what has angered Ozil’s father, who retorted: “[Ozil] no longer wants to explain himself, he no longer wants to have to defend himself all the time.
“He has been playing for nine years in the German team… including becoming world champions. He has contributed a lot for this country. It has always been: if we win, we win together.
“But when we lose, we lose because of Ozil? He is now getting whistled at and made a scapegoat. I can understand if he feels insulted.
“He needs to decide for himself. But if I were in his place, I’d say ‘thanks a lot but that’s it!’ The hurt has grown too strong. And who knows what’ll happen at the next match.
“In Mesut’s place, I would step down. But that’s just my very personal opinion.”
When will the persecution end? This can’t be very good for Ozil’s state of mind as he is supposed to be relaxing to prepare for the new Arsenal season….
Darren N