Arsenal’s star Ozil internationally retires and Emery backs his decision
Following the decision Ozil made to quit Germany, the Gunners coach welcomed him into the club’s training camp by offering him support. This happened after the Arsenal playmaker quit the German national team, by saying that his squad always provides “a family for every player”. After Germany’s disappointing World Cup campaign, Ozil has faced racially motivated criticism and on Sunday he criticized the DFB (German Football Association) in a three-part statement announcing his international retirement. Ozil claims that they failed in protecting him from the racial criticism. Ahead of Arsenal’s pre-season friendlies, the 29-year-old has joined his club’s training camp in Singapore, ready to play against PSG and Atletico Madrid. Emery said he was beyond glad to have Ozil back on board and admitted that he had not spoken with him about his decision to end his international career, but opting to give him the time so he can focus on the club duties after these tumultuous few weeks he’s been facing. It all started after Ozil’s meeting with the Turkish president Erdogan prior to the World Cup. This meeting act was condemned in Germany and the criticism increased after the nation’s exit at the group stage in Russia. Emery told the reporters: “All of us want to help Mesut feel like it is his home here with us, like a family and it is a family for every player. I am very happy with him, every player is looking together and Mesut has the respect of every player here.”