Arsene Wenger has weighed in on the topic of Mesut Ozil's early retirement from the German national team. While the French manager did not touch upon the topic of racism, he gave his thoughts on what the midfielder's exit will mean for die Mannschaft and the player himself.
The playmaker called it quits from international football after the World Cup, with the then-defending champion suffering humiliation by crashing out in the group stage. The 30-year-old felt he was singled out and used as a scapegoat for the team's shortcoming due to the controversy that arose from a picture he took with Turkish president Recep Tayyip Erdoğan.
Ozil accused the media from back home and the DFB of disrespect and racism before hanging up his boots, a move that garnered support from Arsenal and several team-mates but also criticism. However, Le Prof wishes Ozil will reverse his decision.
Speaking to Bild, the former Gunners boss stated that Ozil's departure is a huge loss for Low's side. Furthermore, he added that Mesut also stands to lose a lot from his retirement.
"I think Germany needs Ozil and I hope Low can convince him to come back," Wenger told the German tabloid.
"Ozil is a super football player and was not the worst at the World Cup.
"I did not love it that he withdrew from the Germany team [because] the Germans respect what he achieved.
"A small bit of motivation disappears when you know that you don't have to be ready for a World Cup, a European Championship.
"I love it when the players are as good as possible. He loses a bit if he does not play at an international level."
Wenger, the man who brought the "Assist King" to the Premier League from Real Madrid back in 2014, has always been an adamant supporter of the midfielder. However, little to nothing points to a reunion between the 2014 World Cup winner and the national side.
As for Germany, their struggles continue. Low's men suffered yet another defeat, losing 2-1 to France on Tuesday in the UEFA Nations League. As a result, die Mannschaft is now in danger of being relegated from League A.
