Paulo Coelho shows support for Mesut Özil

ISTANBUL

Former German international footballer Mesut Özil, who quit the national team following harsh criticisms over his photo with the Turkish president and the German team’s poor performance, has received support from world-renowned Brazilian lyricist and novelist Paulo Coelho.

Coelho took to Twitter to share Özil’s statement announcing his exit. “Worth reading : ‘I am an immigrant when we lose’ Regardless what they say you were, is, and will always be a winner, Özil,” he tweeted.

He had been blamed unfairly in Germany for the side’s shock group stage exit at the World Cup in June, the 29-year-old Arsenal attacking midfielder said on July 22.

“I have two hearts, one German and one Turkish,” said Özil, complaining of “racism and disrespect” in the criticisms against him.

His decision to quit on July 22 was met with mixed reactions, with the majority in Turkey in favor but with uproar at home in Germany.