Gunners midfielder Mesut Ozil has sparked a storm with his choice of guests for his wedding scheduled to be held later this year.
According to media reports, German Chancellor Angela Merkel’s chief of staff has joined the growing chorus of criticism after the left-footed star player reportedly invited Turkish President Recep Tayyip
The 30-year old Ozil, who has Turkish family roots, sparked controversy last May when he was photographed with President
After 92 appearances for Germany, including a key role in the 2014 World Cup victory, Ozil suddenly quit the national team squad last July, accusing German football officials of racism.
WEDDING WITNESS
Mesut Ozil met with Turkish president Recep Tayyip Erdogan again today – and invited him to his wedding. pic.twitter.com/Wzg4LnEYD6
— Charles Watts (@charles_watts) March 16, 2019
Germany’s tabloid Bild reported this week that Ozil and his model fiancee Amine Gulse, 25, a former Miss Turkey, personally presented an invitation card to President Erdogan in Istanbul.
The invite immediately drew sharp criticism in Germany, whose government has been sharply at odds with Ankara over a range of human rights questions in recent years.
“The fact that this has continued will have disappointed a lot of football fans – me too!” said Helge Braun, Merkel’s Chief of Staff.
“Footballers are symbolic figures in our society with whom people identify with much more than ministers.”
Merkel herself has baby-sitting duties and sends her regrets…… pic.twitter.com/GximdUKXI0
— General Alcazar (@Gen_Alcazar) March 18, 2019
Ozil has dated Gulse since 2017 and the couple announced their engagement in June 2018.
Germans logic:-Bayern lost to Liverpool because Ozil was going to meet Turkish President. 😁
— Ali Haidar khan (@khan_7651) March 16, 2019
That’s quite intimate info. Also, very hard to understand considering how liberal he is? He is clearly proud to be Turkish, but this is disappointing. Still love the guy.
— brdgunner (@brdgunner) March 16, 2019
Loool Doesn’t matter anymore he has cut almost all ties with 🇩🇪 & their racist public media & officials
— 🔴 KittoO ⚪️ (@IamKitto0) March 16, 2019