In July, German midfielder Mesut Ozil announced his retirement from international football.Citing ‘racism and disrespect’, the 29-year-old Arsenal star explained his decision with a lengthy statement on Twitter."I am German when we win, an immigrant when we lose", wrote Ozil after Germany's disappointing World Cup.Ozil's retirement has caused something of a storm in Germany.Bayern Munich president Uli Hoeness accused the Arsenal midfielder of having been “cr** for years” following his retirement.Most of Ozil's international teammates have defended him when pressed on the matter.Germany captain Manuel Neuer has finally given his opinion on Ozil's retirement - and his comments have upset lots of fans.

Neuer has his say

The 32-year-old Bayern Munich goalkeeper played with Ozil when they were youngsters at Schalke - and they would later win the World Cup together in 2014.

"It’s the decision of every individual player," said Neuer, as per Goal. "You have to find the reasons for yourself, and he [Özil] found them. We accept this decision, of course.

"We have always tried to integrate every player and have always done everything for our teammates, so that everyone goes into the games with a good feeling.

"It’s the job of those responsible at the DFB to structure the team and give it a new face.

"We must have players who are really proud to play for Germany and will give everything to play for their country, so that we get back on the road to success."

Understandably, Neuer's comments upset plenty of fans on Twitter - and you would imagine that Ozil wouldn't appreciate them either.

"I think things will change in the national team and also in the DFB," Neuer added.

"Some things must be changed. We have big goals also in the national team and naturally want to put forward a new face."

Ozil's only 29 but, sadly, it looks increasingly unlikely that he'll be making a return to the German national team.

He's expected to start when Arsenal host Manchester City in their opening Premier League fixture next weekend.

Ozil's new manager in north London was pleased that he returned for pre-season early following Germany's World Cup disappointment.

"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," said Unai Emery.

"He feels here with us that he can work every day, and it is good for us that he decided to come here and work with us before our two matches."

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