Mesut Ozil street in Northern Turkey has undergone transformation in solidarity with the Arsenal man after his decision to quit German national team continue to spur worldwide debate on racism subjected to immigrant populations.
The street is located in Devrek district of the Black Sea, Zonguldak, Turkey, which is the ancestral home of the German playmaker.
The billboard that had the 29-year old in a German shirt has been pulled down and replaced with a new one where he holds the Gunner’s shirt next to Turkey president, Edrogan.
The former Real Madrid star who was born and bred in Germany decided to quit following Die Mannschaft’s elimination from World Cup in the group stages.
Ozil who won the World Cup with The Elevens in 2014, accused DFB of racially mistreating him and blaming him for the dismal performance the team had in Russia.
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It all began when the 29-year-old alongside Manchester City’s Ikay Gundogan were invited in London to meet Turkish president who was visiting the Queen before the World Cup. Their attendance raised the question of loyalty to DFB and Germany.
Turkey has stood in solidarity with five time German player of the year. Ozil also has the backing of Kevin Prince Boateng who is the son of a Ghanaian immigrant to Germany but plays for Ghana.
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