ZCZC
BSP-16
GERMANY-FBL-WC-2018-GER-OZIL-TURKEY-POLITICS-MERKEL
Merkel respects Ozil’s decision to quit German team: spokeswoman
BERLIN, July 23, 2018 (BSS/AFP) – Chancellor Angela Merkel “respects”
Mesut Ozil’s decision to quit playing football for Germany, her spokeswoman
said on Monday, after the midfielder resigned over alleged “racism” in
criticism against him.
“The chancellor values Mesut Ozil highly. He is a footballer who has
contributed a great deal to the national team,” said Ulrike Demmer, adding
that he has “now made a decision that must be respected.”
BSS/AFP/ARS/1640 hrs