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Mesut Ozil Cites Racism: “I Am German When We Win And Immigrant When We Lose” - Sports (2) - Nairaland

Nairaland Forum / Entertainment / Sports / Mesut Ozil Cites Racism: “I Am German When We Win And Immigrant When We Lose” (39125 Views)

We Win Together / Mesut Ozil Cites Nigerian Legend As Reason For Move To Fenerbahce / “I Am German When We Win And Immigrant When We Lose” – Mesut Ozil (2) (3) (4)

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Re: Mesut Ozil Cites Racism: “I Am German When We Win And Immigrant When We Lose” by meneski(m): 8:07am On Jul 23, 2018
[/color][color=#990000] how i go take cook another soup?
Re: Mesut Ozil Cites Racism: “I Am German When We Win And Immigrant When We Lose” by TeamSimple(m): 8:08am On Jul 23, 2018
He wasnt treated right at the World Cup by the Germans. But he also played into the hands of Turkey politics.

2 Likes

Re: Mesut Ozil Cites Racism: “I Am German When We Win And Immigrant When We Lose” by TOPCRUISE(m): 8:08am On Jul 23, 2018
Sharpshooota:
If France was knocked out in the group stage



They would have deported pogba... Kante.. Etc back to Africa by now
they scrutinize and investigate how the hell a bunch of African immigrants made it to the national team. and label it a french scam.

3 Likes

Re: Mesut Ozil Cites Racism: “I Am German When We Win And Immigrant When We Lose” by perdollar(m): 8:09am On Jul 23, 2018
go back to ur Islamic republic n practice ur sharia dia. Europe must b wise to d antics of ds terrible religion.

1 Like 1 Share

Re: Mesut Ozil Cites Racism: “I Am German When We Win And Immigrant When We Lose” by RexTramadol1: 8:10am On Jul 23, 2018
Jeez ds got me.
Re: Mesut Ozil Cites Racism: “I Am German When We Win And Immigrant When We Lose” by eyinjuege: 8:12am On Jul 23, 2018
The travails of a migrant abroad
Re: Mesut Ozil Cites Racism: “I Am German When We Win And Immigrant When We Lose” by Nobody: 8:12am On Jul 23, 2018
Evablizin:
Sorry.
Hi
Fine girl
Re: Mesut Ozil Cites Racism: “I Am German When We Win And Immigrant When We Lose” by xarm(m): 8:12am On Jul 23, 2018
Mesut Ozil's Full Statement Part 1: Meeting President Erdogan*

The past couple of weeks have given me time to reflect, and time to think over the events of the last few months. Consequently, I want to share my thoughts and feelings about what has happened.

Like many people, my ancestry traces back to more than one country. Whilst I grew up in Germany, my family background has its roots firmly based in Turkey. I have two hearts, one German and one Turkish. During my childhood, my mother taught me to always be respectful and to never forget where I came from, and these are still values that I think about to this day.

In May, I met President Erdogan in London, during a charitable and educational event. We first met in 2010 after he and Angela Merkel watched the Germany vs. Turkey match together in Berlin. Since then, our paths have crossed a lot of times around the globe. I'm aware that the picture of us caused a huge response in the German media, and whilst some people may accuse me of lying or being deceitful, the picture we took had no political intentions.

As I said, my mother has never let me lose sight of my ancestry, heritage and family traditions. For me, having a picture with President Erdogan wasn't about politics or elections, it was about me respecting the highest office of my family’s country. My job is a football player and not a politician, and our meeting was not an endorsement of any policies. In fact, we spoke about the same topic that we do every time we have met - football - as he too was a player in his youth.

Although the German media have portrayed something different, the truth is that not meeting with the President would have been disrespecting the roots of my ancestors, who I know would be proud of where I am today. For me, it didn't matter who was President, it mattered that it was the President. Having respect for political office is a view that I'm sure both the Queen and Prime Minister Theresa May share when they too hosted Erdogan in London. Whether it had been the Turkish or the German President, my actions would’ve been no different.

I get that this may be hard to understand, as in most cultures the political leader cannot be thought of as being separate from the person. But in this case, it is different. Whatever the outcome would've been in this previous election, or the election before that, I would have still taken the picture.

Mesut Ozil's Full Statement Part 2: Media and Sponsors*

I know that I am a footballer who has played in arguably the three toughest leagues in the world. I've been fortunate to receive great support from my teammates and coaching staff whilst playing in the Bundesliga, La Liga and the Premier League. And in addition, throughout my career, I've learnt to deal with the media.

A lot of people talk about my performances - many applaud and many criticise. If a newspaper or pundit finds fault in a game I play in, then I can accept this - I'm not a perfect footballer and this often motivates me to work and train harder. But what I can't accept, are German media outlets repeatedly blaming my dual-heritage and a simple picture for a bad World Cup on behalf of an entire squad.

Certain German newspapers are using my background and photo with President Erdogan as right-wing propaganda to further their political cause. Why else did they use pictures and headlines with my name as a direct explanation for defeat in Russia?

They didn't criticise my performances. They didn't criticise the team's performances, they just criticised my Turkish ancestry and respect for my upbringing. This crosses a personal line that should never be crossed, as newspapers try to turn the nation of Germany against me.

What I also find disappointing are the double standards that the media has. Lothar Matthaus (an honorary German national team captain) met with another world leader a few days back, and received almost no media criticism. Despite his role with the DFB (German national team), they have not asked him to publicly explain his actions and he continues to represent the players of Germany without any reprimand. If the media felt that I should have been left of the World Cup squad, then surely he should be stripped of his honorary captaincy? Does my Turkish heritage make me a more worthy target?

I've always thought that a 'partnership' infers support, both in the good times and also during tougher situations. Recently, I planned to visit my former school Berger-Feld in Gelsenkirchen, Germany, along with two of my charitable partners. I funded a project for one year where immigrant children, children from poor families and any other children can play football together and learn social rules for life.

However, days before we were scheduled to go, I was abandoned by my so-called 'partners', who no longer wanted to work with me at this time. To add to this, the school told my management that they no longer wanted me to be there at this time, as they 'feared the media" due to my picture with President Erdogan, especially with the "right-wing party in Gelsenkirchen on the rise". In all honesty, this really hurt. Despite being a student of theirs back when l was younger. I was made to feel unwanted and unworthy of their time.

In addition to this I was renounced by another partner. As they are also a sponsor of the DFB, l was asked to take part in promotional videos for the World Cup. Yet after my picture with President Erdogan they took me out of the campaigns and cancelled all promotional activities that were scheduled. For them it was no longer good to be seen with me and called the situation 'crisis management'.

This is all ironic because a German Ministry declared their products have illegal and unauthorized software devices in them, which puts customers at risk. Hundreds of thousands of their products are getting recalled. Whilst I was being criticised and asked to justify my actions by the DFB, there was no such official and public explanation demanded of the DFB sponsor. Why? Am i right in thinking this is worse than a picture with the President of my family's country? What does the OPE have to say about all this?

As I said before, 'partners' should stick with you in all situations. Adidas, Beats and Big Shoe have been extremely loyal and amazing to work with in this time. They rise above the nonsense created by the German press and media, and we carry out our projects in a professional manner that I really enjoy being part of.

During the World Cup, I worked with Big Shoe and helped get 23 young children life-changing surgeries in Russia, which I have also done previously in Brazil and Africa. This for me is the most important thing that I do as a football player, yet the newspapers find no space to raise awareness about this sort of thing.

For them, me being booed or taking a picture with a President is more significant then helping children get surgeries worldwide. They too have a platform to raise awareness and funds, but choose not to do so.

Mesut Ozil's Full Statement Part 3:

Arguably the issue that has frustrated me the most over the past couple of months has been the mistreatment from the DFB, and in particular the OPE President Reinhard Grindel. After my picture with President Erdogan l was asked by Joachim Low to cut short my holiday and go to Berlin and give a joint statement to end all the talk and set the record straight.

Whilst I attempted to explain to Grindel my heritage, ancestry and therefore reasoning behind the photo, he was far more interested in speaking about his own political views and belittling my opinion.

Whilst his actions were patronising, we came to agree that the best thing to do was to concentrate on football and the upcoming World Cup. This is why l did not attend the OPE media day during the World Cup preparations. I knew journalists discussing politics and not football would just attack me, even though the whole issue was deemed to be over by Oliver Bierhoff in a TV interview he did before the Saudi Arabia game in Leverkusen.

During this time, I also met with the President of Germany, Frank-Walter Steinmeier. Unlike Grindel, President Steinmeier was professional and actually was interested in what I had to say about my family, my heritage and my decisions. I remember that the meeting was only between myself, Ilkay and President Steinmeier, with Grindel being upset that he wasn't allowed inside to boost his own political agenda.

I agreed with President Steinmeier that we would release a joint statement about the matter, in another attempt to move toward and focus on football. But Grindel was upset that it wasn't his team releasing the first statement, annoyed that Steinmeier's press office had to take lead on this matter.

Since the end of the World Cup, Grindel has come under much pressure regarding his decisions before the tournament started, and rightly so. Recently, he has publicly said I should once again explain my actions and puts me at fault for the poor team results in Russia, despite telling me it was over in Berlin. I am speaking now not for Grindel, but because I want to. I will no longer stand for being a scapegoat for his incompetence and inability to do his job properly. I know that he wanted me out the team after the picture, and publicised his view on Twitter without any thinking or consultation, but Joachim Low and Oliver Bierhoff stood up for me and backed me.

In the eyes of Grindel and his supporters, I am German when we win, but I am an immigrant when we lose. This is because despite paying taxes in Germany, donating facilities to German schools and winning the World Cup with Germany in 2014, I am still not accepted into society. I am treated as being 'different'. I received the 'Bambi Award' in 2010 as an example of successful integration to German society, I received a 'Silver Laurel Leaf' in 2014 from the Federal Republic of Germany, and I was a 'German Football Ambassador' in 2015. But clearly, I am not German.. .?

Are there criteria for being fully German that I do not fit? My friend Lukas Podolski and Miroslav Klose are never referred to as German-Polish, so why am I German-Turkish? Is it because it is Turkey? Is it because I'm a Muslim? I think here lays an important issue. By being referred to as German-Turkish, it is already distinguishing people who have family from more than one country. I was born and educated in Germany, so why don't people accept that I am German?

Grindel's opinions can be found elsewhere too. I was called by Bernd Holzhauer (a German politician) a "goat-f***er" because of my picture with President Erdogan and my Turkish background. Furthermore, Werner Steer (Chief of German Theatre) told me to "piss off to Anatolia", a place in Turkey where many immigrants are based.

As I have said before, criticising and abusing me because of family ancestry is a disgraceful line to cross, and using discrimination as a tool for political propaganda is something that should immediately result In the resignation of those disrespectful individuals. These people have used my picture with President Erdogan as an opportunity to express their previously hidden racist tendencies, and this is dangerous for society.

They are no better than the German fan who told me after the game against Sweden "Ozil, verpiss Dich Du scheiss TiirkensauJ'iirkenschwein hau ab' or in English "Ozil, f * * k off you Turkish s * * t, p * * * off you Turkish pig!'

I don't want to even discuss the hate mail, threatening phone calls and comments on social media that my family and I have received. They all represent a Germany of the past, a Germany not open to new cultures, and a Germany that I am not proud of. I am confident that many proud Germans who embrace an open society would agree with me.

To you, Reinhard Grindel, I am disappointed but not surprised by your actions. In 2004 whilst you were a German member of Parliament, you claimed that "multiculturalism is in reality a myth [and] a lifelong lie" whilst you voted against legislation for dual-nationalities and punishments for bribery, as well as saying that Islamic culture has become too ingrained in many German cities. This is unforgivable and unforgettable.

The treatment l have received from the OPE and many others makes me no longer want to wear the German national team shirt. I feel unwanted and think that what I have achieved since my international debut in 2009 has been forgotten. People with racially discriminative backgrounds should not be allowed to work in the largest football federation in the world that has many players from dual-heritage families. Attitudes like theirs simply do not reflect the players they supposedly represent.

It is with a heavy heart and after much consideration that because of recent events. I will no longer be playing for Germany at international level whilst I have this feeling of racism and disrespect. I used to wear the German shirt with such pride and excitement, but now I don't. This decision has been extremely difficult to make because I have always given everything for my teammates, the coaching staff and the good people of Germany. But when high-ranking DFB officials treat me as they did, disrespect my Turkish roots and selfishly turn me into political propaganda, then enough is enough. That is not why I play football, and I will not sit back and do nothing about it.

Racism should never, ever be accepted.

*Mesut Ozil*

7 Likes

Re: Mesut Ozil Cites Racism: “I Am German When We Win And Immigrant When We Lose” by mary42k2(f): 8:13am On Jul 23, 2018
It wasn't only Ozil dat flopped, dia entire team fuvked up, including dia ass sniffing coach......racism everiwia

2 Likes

Re: Mesut Ozil Cites Racism: “I Am German When We Win And Immigrant When We Lose” by Nobody: 8:14am On Jul 23, 2018
DEXTROVERT:
I'm Very Sorry Its My Fault I Caused It
Don't Be ANGRY
WHY DID THEY WANT TO KILL HIM

Doc! Another patient here!

1 Like

Re: Mesut Ozil Cites Racism: “I Am German When We Win And Immigrant When We Lose” by tbaba1234: 8:16am On Jul 23, 2018
Johnzzy:
I think Ozil brought this on himself.

You don't associate with a character like Erdogan and not expect a massive backlash. It's just like taking a picture with Bashar al-Assad, claiming he's your root, while you play for Israel.

He was naive.

The deal breaker was when Joachim Low asked him to do a joint press conference to clear the air. Bros started beating around the bush.

Given his level of influence and reach, he should be more discreet next time.

I disagree. It is selective disgust. Ozil is as much Turkish as he is German. He is not a politician. Playing for Germany does not mean he should abandon the other part of him.

There are many tyrants in the world. Do you think he will get this much heat if he took the same pictures with Sisi or Netanyanhu? All of whom have their fair share of failings?

Racists were just looking for an excuse to attack him and they got it.

16 Likes 3 Shares

Re: Mesut Ozil Cites Racism: “I Am German When We Win And Immigrant When We Lose” by Nobody: 8:18am On Jul 23, 2018
tbaba1234:


I disagree. It is selective disgust. Ozil is as much Turkish as he is German. He is not a politician. Playing for Germany does not mean he should abandon the other part of him.

There are many tyrants in the world. Do you think he will get this much heat if he took the same pictures with Sisi or Netanyanhu? All of whom have their fair share of failings?

Racists were just looking for an excuse to attack him and they got it.


You are correct in a context.

But did you just imply Netayanhu is a tyrant? I'm sure you didn't. Lol.

In any case, the media thrives on such issues. He should have nipped it in the bud from the onset instead of telling stories about feeding immigrant children.
Re: Mesut Ozil Cites Racism: “I Am German When We Win And Immigrant When We Lose” by donbachi(m): 8:20am On Jul 23, 2018
For this reason.france should thank africans for helping them,win the world cup.
Re: Mesut Ozil Cites Racism: “I Am German When We Win And Immigrant When We Lose” by nick50(m): 8:21am On Jul 23, 2018
Same in my country where an individual succeeded in drug trafficking and scamming they will call him a Nigerian but when dey fails the will call him an ipob terrorists
Re: Mesut Ozil Cites Racism: “I Am German When We Win And Immigrant When We Lose” by maximunimpact(m): 8:24am On Jul 23, 2018
nairavsdollars:
Painful. Germans [/b]are the worst racist in the world

[b]Not them, Argentina is notorious for racism
Re: Mesut Ozil Cites Racism: “I Am German When We Win And Immigrant When We Lose” by Iamgrey5(m): 8:27am On Jul 23, 2018
Same thing happened to Balotelli in Italy

2 Likes

Re: Mesut Ozil Cites Racism: “I Am German When We Win And Immigrant When We Lose” by Nobody: 8:27am On Jul 23, 2018
.
Re: Mesut Ozil Cites Racism: “I Am German When We Win And Immigrant When We Lose” by ajl: 8:28am On Jul 23, 2018
wristbangle:
Success is famous while failure is obscure. People hail you when things are sweet yet tongue lash you the moment things turn sour.

One should never do things to please people. Please God, yourself and your family ( wife and children).

I thought the Germans are non racist people. Not only they are racist but as well an ingrate.

You said "you thought the Germans are not racist"? What planet are you from. We are talking about the kinsmen of Hitler.

7 Likes 1 Share

Re: Mesut Ozil Cites Racism: “I Am German When We Win And Immigrant When We Lose” by tbaba1234: 8:30am On Jul 23, 2018
Johnzzy:


You are correct in a context.

But did you just imply Netayanhu is a tyrant? I'm sure you didn't. Lol.

In any case, the media thrives on such issues. He should have nipped it in the bud from the onset instead of telling stories about feeding immigrant children.

Netayanhu is a tyrant with what is going on in the west bank and Gaza but that is a discussion for another day. One man's tyrant is another man's hero.

He has no blame here in my opinion. He met Ergodan at a charity event. Should he cover his face and run away?

6 Likes 1 Share

Re: Mesut Ozil Cites Racism: “I Am German When We Win And Immigrant When We Lose” by kjhova(m): 8:30am On Jul 23, 2018
Nigeriapen1:

L-R: Ilkay Gundogan, Mesut Ozil and Turkish President Recip Tayyip Erdogan


“My job is a football player and not a politician, and our meeting was not an endorsement of any policies. The treatment I have received from the DFB and many others makes me no longer want to wear the German national team shirt.”


SOURCE: https://www.nigeriapen.com.ng/i-am-german-when-we-win-and-immigrant-when-we-lose-mesut-ozil-cites-racism-as-he-quits-german-national-team/


Mesut Ozil did himself no favours with this bolded line. Considering the diplomatic issues between Germany and Turkey and the general atmosphere in Europe presently concerning immigration and the rise of the right wing parties, he should know better.

This is very much like Kelechi Iheanacho taking pictures with Nnamdi Kanu (when he was still alive?!?!?) or Ahmed Musa seen on tape with Abubakar Shekau..ok maybe not that dramatic but you get the picture, ehn?

2 Likes

Re: Mesut Ozil Cites Racism: “I Am German When We Win And Immigrant When We Lose” by Jeju: 8:30am On Jul 23, 2018
I dont see this as simply racism. What ozil did is like pledging ur allegiance to another home in the heat of a national sacrifice n funny enough he flopped on the pitch.
What ever he is saying is medicine after death.
He should also retire from league football...

1 Like

Re: Mesut Ozil Cites Racism: “I Am German When We Win And Immigrant When We Lose” by holyeye1989(m): 8:30am On Jul 23, 2018
These seeds of Hitler....Blood can never lie...Germany supposed to be stigmatized....all over the world.....the mind of aldorf Hitler is still in them...killers.

1 Like

Re: Mesut Ozil Cites Racism: “I Am German When We Win And Immigrant When We Lose” by aribisala0(m): 8:31am On Jul 23, 2018
Johnzzy:
I think Ozil brought this on himself.

You don't associate with a character like Erdogan and not expect a massive backlash. It's just like taking a picture with Bashar al-Assad, claiming he's your root, while you play for Israel.

He was naive.

The deal breaker was when Joachim Low asked him to do a joint press conference to clear the air. Bros started beating around the bush.

Given his level of influence and reach, he should be more discreet next time.
You are the one that is naive? The reality is he is being scapegoated because he is Turkish

What kind of "Character" is Erdogan? Do you know him? What are the sources of information you have about him?


How is Netanyahu Trump Obama or Sarkozy a better character?

You think you are thinkig your own thoughts but do not realize you are just running an App.
You are condittioned to believe that Western leaders are nice cuddly people when they are responsible for most of the bloodshed we have seen over the last 50 years.
When the US killed millions in Viet Nam and Iraq did you get any alternative source of media questioning their leaders.
Today they have completely blacked out news from Yemen

It is said until Lions develop their own storytellers the tale of the hunt will belong to man. If you believe that Western leaders are nice people then you are the most naive

Your Israel Analogy is wack.

Is Germany at War with Turkey?

19 Likes 4 Shares

Re: Mesut Ozil Cites Racism: “I Am German When We Win And Immigrant When We Lose” by Adakintroy: 8:32am On Jul 23, 2018
That's humans for you. If he no be panadol, no be thesame thing as panadol.


This just how humans are unfortunately. It will never end. The other post was about a racist college girl.

However, the truth is that Humans will always descriminate on the bases of anything. Tribe, religion, sex, race, class, intelligence, looks.

Even you that is ranting, don't you look at the poor (class conciousenesss) and go..don't come near me oo!

Only few have reach that enlightenment place we so always boost of.

Let God grant us all the right spirit of humility. That my prayer for the whole world.
Re: Mesut Ozil Cites Racism: “I Am German When We Win And Immigrant When We Lose” by Nobody: 8:33am On Jul 23, 2018
omowolewa:
Success has many friends, thatz all

True.

1 Like

Re: Mesut Ozil Cites Racism: “I Am German When We Win And Immigrant When We Lose” by ajl: 8:33am On Jul 23, 2018
Johnzzy:
I think Ozil brought this on himself.

You don't associate with a character like Erdogan and not expect a massive backlash. It's just like taking a picture with Bashar al-Assad, claiming he's your root, while you play for Israel.

He was naive.

The deal breaker was when Joachim Low asked him to do a joint press conference to clear the air. Bros started beating around the bush.

Given his level of influence and reach, he should be more discreet next time.

Not a good analogy. True that Germany has issues with Turkey president but not comparable with Israel - Syria relationship.You want a player to deny his roots because he play for the national team. Better keep your team and give me my sanity.

7 Likes

Re: Mesut Ozil Cites Racism: “I Am German When We Win And Immigrant When We Lose” by tbaba1234: 8:36am On Jul 23, 2018
kjhova:


Mesut Ozil did himself no favours with this bolded line. Considering the diplomatic issues between Germany and Turkey and the general atmosphere in Europe presently concerning immigration and the rise of the right wing parties, he should know better.

This is very much like Kelechi Iheanacho taking pictures with Nnamdi Kanu (when he was still alive?!?!?) or Ahmed Musa seen on tape with Abubakar Shekau..ok maybe not that dramatic but you get the picture, ehn?

Nnamdi Kanu and Shekau are separatists. They are not leaders of sovereign countries. None of them have any legitimate mandate.

Ozil is from Turkey, he met the Turkish president in a charity event, what is supposed to do? cover his face and run away?

13 Likes 1 Share

Re: Mesut Ozil Cites Racism: “I Am German When We Win And Immigrant When We Lose” by starlingbawa(m): 8:37am On Jul 23, 2018
People will only love you as long as they can use you. You automatically become their worst enemy the very second that window of opportunity closes!

1 Like

Re: Mesut Ozil Cites Racism: “I Am German When We Win And Immigrant When We Lose” by maasoap(m): 8:37am On Jul 23, 2018
Johnzzy:
I think Ozil brought this on himself.

You don't associate with a character like Erdogan and not expect a massive backlash. It's just like taking a picture with Bashar al-Assad, claiming he's your root, while you play for Israel.

He was naive.

The deal breaker was when Joachim Low asked him to do a joint press conference to clear the air. Bros started beating around the bush.

Given his level of influence and reach, he should be more discreet next time.

I wonder why he's associating with Erdoğan! I hate that dictator.

1 Like

Re: Mesut Ozil Cites Racism: “I Am German When We Win And Immigrant When We Lose” by Slayar: 8:39am On Jul 23, 2018
Johnzzy:
I think Ozil brought this on himself.

You don't associate with a character like Erdogan and not expect a massive backlash. It's just like taking a picture with Bashar al-Assad, claiming he's your root, while you play for Israel.

He was naive.

The deal breaker was when Joachim Low asked him to do a joint press conference to clear the air. Bros started beating around the bush.

Given his level of influence and reach, he should be more discreet next time.

What do you mean by "Associate with a character like Erdogan"

1 Like

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