Erdogan on the photo with Özil and Gündogan: “There is nothing to regret”

“There is nothing to regret,” Erdogan said in an interview with the Funke mediengruppe : “As you know, Lothar Matthäus met with Vladimir Putin. Our players should also be able to act with a clear conscience. I feel sorry for the people who criticize this.”

“Why shouldn’t I meet Mesut?” The 64-year-old emphasized that the meeting in London was not his first encounter with Özil: “We have met many times on different occasions. We also meet with citizens of Turkish origin in various countries. Mesut is someone who lives in London. Why shouldn’t I meet him if I’m already there?”

The head of state, who is controversial in Western countries, asked a counter question: “If a German soccer player who plays in our country takes a photo with Ms. Merkel, should we lynch him? This logic is incomprehensible.” Özil and Gündogan could “feel like they belong to both countries. The country where they were born and the country where their parents come from.”

Erdogan announced that he would have clarifying talks with Chancellor Angela Merkel during his visit to Germany on Friday and Saturday. Like Germany, Turkey is applying to host the 2024 European Championships, which will be awarded on Thursday. A conversation about football was “not planned” between him and Merkel, said Erdogan, “but if she spoke to Mesut Özil and Ilkay Gündogan, then I would also talk to her about football.” "The resignation? Anyone else would have the same reaction.” Erdogan assured that Özil and Gündogan played or played for Germany and not for Turkey: “We are proud of our fellow citizens living in Germany. In fact, Mesut Özil said: 'I play for Germany but carry Turkey in my heart.'"

Erdogan also addressed a phone call with Özil after his resignation, in which the 2014 world champion made allegations of racism: “He did not leave the German national team for no reason. Anyone else dealing with these racist attacks and insults would have the same reaction.”

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Erdogan on the photo with Özil and Gündogan: “There is nothing to regret”

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has expressed his incomprehension about the excitement surrounding his photo with German national soccer players Mesut Özil and Ilkay Gündogan.

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