Low snubbed by Ozil, says racism allegations exaggerated

Joachim Low has tried unsuccessfully to speak with Mesut Ozil following his decision to retire from Germany's national team.

Low, who shared a close relationship with Ozil during his 12 years in charge of Die Mannschaft, was also upset by the player's allegations of racism.

"I have tried by phone and text message but I have not been able to reach him," Low said, according to Sky Sports' Rory O'Callaghan. "I have to accept that. I probably underestimated the whole situation."

Ozil withdrew himself from international consideration due to backlash over a photo he took with controversial Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. Local media criticized the 29-year-old for taking the photo, alleging he was used as a prop just days before an election that Erdogan eventually won.

Born in Germany to Turkish immigrants, Ozil said the picture wasn't a political endorsement of Erdogan's party.

Low admitted the public hand-wringing over the affair affected the national team's preparations for the World Cup, but refuted claims of racism within Germany's camp.

"The topic has taken a lot of energy, but it should not be an alibi," he said. "The statement from Ozil was perhaps a bit hasty. There was never an approach of racism in our team."

Ozil was one of Low's most used players in recent years, frequently fielding the midfielder for the full 90 minutes of friendlies and qualifiers.