Chancellor Angela Merkel “respects” Mesut Ozil’s decision to quit playing football for Germany, her spokeswoman said on Monday, after the midfielder resigned over alleged “racism” in criticism against him.

“The chancellor values Mesut Ozil highly. He is a footballer who has contributed a great deal to the national team,” said Ulrike Demmer, adding that he has “now made a decision that must be respected.”

(AFP)