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Germany stars' criticism of Ozil is 'either naive or scheming,' says agent

JEWEL SAMAD / AFP / Getty

The agent of maligned Germany star Mesut Ozil hit out at the international teammates who criticized the midfielder, blasting them as "either naive or scheming."

Ozil, a third-generation Turkish German, announced an indefinite hiatus from Die Mannschaft duty in July, citing racism and disrespect in the reactions to a photo he took with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan before the 2018 World Cup in Russia.

Since then, things have escalated. The German FA "emphatically" rejected those claims of racism, while star players Manuel Neuer, Toni Kroos, and Thomas Muller have all publicly downplayed - or even outright dismissed - their teammate's grievances.

Related - Kroos: Ozil's claims of racism in German camp are 'nonsense'

Now, Ozil's agent, Erkut Sogut, has criticized that trio of players for their responses to the situation.

"Neuer indirectly accused Mesut of not having worn the German jersey with pride. This is unacceptable," Sogut told German outlet 11Freunde, as quoted by the Guardian's Marcus Christenson.

"Muller did not understand the whole discussion. And Kroos, as a seasoned national team player, should explain what he means by 'nonsense' ... There are only two explanations: they are either naive or scheming."

Of Ozil's public meeting with the controversial Erdogan, Sogut added: "Mesut did not make any mistakes. That's how it stays. It is just a matter of respect and courtesy to agree to meet the president of Turkey when he requests it. The two of them have met regularly over the past eight years. It has never been a problem before for the German public."

Germany boss Joachim Low also weighed in on the matter, claiming in August that the Arsenal midfielder's claims of racism were unfair. Meanwhile, Bayern Munich president Uli Hoeness stoked the fire by launching personal criticisms of Ozil's ability and image.

One man who hasn't appeared too concerned is Gunners boss Unai Emery. He stated last week that the north London club can benefit from Ozil's lack of national team involvement, and Ozil scored what proved to be the decisive goal in Arsenal's 2-1 win at Newcastle United on Saturday.

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