Tensions between Germany's football association and the national team's former star midfielder Mesut Ozil are flaring up,... after the 29 year-old quit the squad in spectacular fashion this week,... citing racism against his Turkish roots.
Oh Soo-young tells us more.
German Chancellor Angela Merkel says she respects Mesut Ozil's decision to step down from the national team,... while stressing Germany is committed to integrating people with migrant backgrounds.
A government spokesperson on Monday stated the leader's position.

"As you know, the Chancellor holds Mesut Ozil in high esteem. Mesut Ozil is a great footballer, who has done a lot for the national football team. Mesut Ozil has now made a decision that must be respected."

The 29 year-old, who plays for English Premier League club Arsenal, announced his retirement from the German national team on Sunday after receiving harsh criticism from the DFB and German media for his photo with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.
The footballer defended his actions, expressing respect for Erdogan's office.
He also cited racism and disrespect for his Turkish roots in German society, as some blamed him for Germany's underwhelming performance at the 2018 World Cup in Russia.
The German football association has since denied Ozil's allegations of racism.
The rift between the player and the DFB has sparked a divisive debate over racism in the country.

"Everyone forget everything, everything - Mesut Ozil, Mesut Ozil. All what happened for Germany in the World Cup was because of Erdogan photo. That's racism."

"I think politics and sport shouldn't go together, never. So maybe this is his punishment."

German officials and politicians have also spoken out.

"I don't believe the case of a multimillionaire living and working in England gives much insight into integration in Germany. Aside from that it's obvious that Germany being knocked out so early has little to do with the fact that Mr. Ozil had his photograph taken with Mr. Erdogan."

"The photo of Ozil with Erdogan was a mistake and remains a mistake. He talks about respect, but what about respect for the victims of Erdogan's policies? For journalists who are in prison just for doing their job, for opposition activists and dissidents?"

The debate comes amid a partisan divide over the influx into Germany of nearly two million migrants since 2014,.. and criticism over the racist treatment of German athletes with migrant backgrounds.
Oh Soo-young, Arirang News.