A former captain of Die Mannschaft believes a loss of form would have led to international exile prior to the decision being taken to retire
Mesut Ozil was already facing up to seeing his Germany career ended prior to announcing his international retirement, says Lothar Matthaus, with the Arsenal playmaker unlikely to be missed.
A 2014 World Cup winner has walked away from Die Mannsachaft on the back of a disappointing showing from all concerned at this summer’s event in Russia.
Ozil sparked unrest ahead of that tournament when pictured with Turkish president Recep Erdogan, with further uncomfortable questions asked during and after a shock group stage exit.