Ozil's agent offers stunning response to 'foolish' criticism from Bayern president Hoeness

Dr Erkut Sogut has, in an exclusive statement to Goal, hit out at what he considers to be unfair scapegoating of a man retiring from duty with Germany

Mesut Ozil’s agent, Dr Erkut Sogut, has hit back at “foolish” comments from Bayern Munich president Uli Hoeness in the wake of the Arsenal star’s decision to retire from international football with Germany.

The 29-year-old has removed himself from consideration for future duty with Die Mannschaft in the wake of “the treatment received from the DFB” before, during and after Russia 2018, with DFB president Reinhard Grindel accused of racism.

Ozil said "I am German when we win, but I am an immigrant when we lose" and declared that he is no longer prepared to shoulder the blame for the struggles of the national team and those in charge of German football – with several high-profile figures having spoken out over recent weeks.

Bayern president Hoeness is among the latest to have had his say and is considered to have crossed the line with an attack in which he accused a 2014 World Cup winner of having been “sh*t for years”.

Dr Sogut is understandably disappointed at the comments and has taken the opportunity to offer a stinging response to man speaking out of turn in an exclusive statement made to Goal.

Hoeness is no better than the people Mesut mentioned in his statement, as he has purposefully ignored this wider point. And has done so on purpose. Hoeness knows what he is doing. Issuing crazy comments about Mesut’s football, he thinks, it will create a big reaction and will cover the real issue.

"The issue he and many in Germany are scared to confront, an issue he would prefer to sweep under the carpet because he can’t face the uncomfortable truth. He shows the depth of his character and his true personality by ignoring this and making idiotic comments about football.

"Well, I will not let him succeed. Mesut has given everything for Germany on and off the pitch - contributed more to the country than he could ever dream of."

Ozil made his international debut in 2009 and won 92 caps for Germany, netting 23 goals.