Germany’s coach Joachim Low has finally spoken out about the racism claims made by Arsenal midfielder, Mesut Ozil following the latter’s retirement.
Joachim Low has rejected the claim stating that Ozil overplayed his claims.
Mesut Ozil quit the National Team after the World Cup citing racism as one of the reasons for his decision.
It has brought about a lot of backlash including from his own teammates. Players like Toni Kroos and Thomas Muller have denied Ozil’s claims.
Low, who has so far kept mum on the reports and the allegations finally spoke out saying that in all his time he has never seen evidence of racism in the German squad.
“Mesut Ozil has not called me until today,”
“Mesut Ozil has clearly overstated his allegations of racism.” he said
READ: Mesut Ozil’s Agent Responds to Backlash from Bayern President Uli Hoeness
Joachim Low, who won the World Cup with Germany in 2014, added: “I think we underestimated the situation with the photos, I too underestimated it,” he explained. “I thought, when the two were at Steinmeier, that we could concentrate on the World Cup. This theme has also cost strength. For me it was clear that I picked Mesut Özil for sporting reasons.
“I have not said anything on this incident so far because his advisor called me late in the afternoon on Sunday. He informed me that Mesut would publish the third part of his statement. The player himself did not call me.
“In the past, there have always been good discussions with players in such cases. He has chosen this path, I have to accept that.
“There was never any kind of racism. Throughout the time I was at the DFB, there has never been an approach of racist comments in our team. Mesut and Ilkay have always identified with the values of the national team.”
Joachim Low was widely expected to be sacked following Germany’s disastrous World Cup, but the tactician has retained the trust of the DFB and will be in charge of the national team for the foreseeable future.