Turkish officials have commended Turkish-origin German footballer Mesut Ozil for quitting the national team on the grounds of racism.
READ ALSO: “I am German when we win, but an immigrant when we lose” – Mesut Ozil says as he quits German National Team
Ozil, who was born in Germany to a Turkish-origin family, had been under fire ever since he posed for a controversial photograph with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in May.
The photograph sparked questions about his loyalty to Germany’s squad ahead of the World Cup in Russia.
The Arsenal midfielder said on Sunday he would no longer play for Germany “whilst I have this feeling of racism and disrespect.”
“I congratulate Mesut Ozil who by leaving the national team has scored the most beautiful goal against the virus of fascism,” Justice Minister Abdulhamit Gul wrote on Twitter.
Also, Turkey’s Sports Minister, Mehmet Kasapoglu, said, “We sincerely support the honourable stance that our brother Mesut Ozil has taken.”
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