By Fatih Erel

ISTANBUL

Joachim Low, the head coach of the German national football team, said Wednesday he did not expect Turkish-German footballer Mesut Ozil to return to the national team.

"Mesut Ozil has clearly announced his retirement and closed the door himself," Low told Sport Bild journal.

"A comeback is not an issue," Low said.

In July, Ozil quitted the national team, citing racial discrimination.

He sparked a debate in the country with his decision to quit Germany’s national team, due to what he considered was discrimination and racist propaganda he faced.

German Football Association (DFB) President Reinhard Grindel had admitted he failed to give a strong support to Turkish-German footballer Mesut Ozil, who faced a racist propaganda before and after the 2018 World Cup.

A distinguished career

Ozil was born on Oct. 15, 1988, in Gelsenkirchen, western Germany.

He started playing professional football with FC Schalke 04. He became a star midfielder while playing for Werder Bremen, and his efforts were also seen during the 2010 World Cup.

Before winning the World Cup in 2014, Ozil was transferred to Arsenal from Spanish giants Real Madrid in 2013.

Ozil appeared in 92 matches with the German national football team. He scored 23 goals and assisted 40 times in those matches, a record.

He won the World Cup in 2014 in Brazil. He was awarded a bronze medal in the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.

He won the German player of the year award five times. Ozil was also one of the 2010 Golden Ball award nominees.

Ozil was selected for the Euro 2012 team of the tournament. He also twice appeared in Euros semifinals.