Mesut Özil has rejected a boycott call by critics of the Turkish government, amid the country's worst political crisis in over a decade. On Tuesday, the former German international urged social cohesion.
What happened?
The arrest and detention of ousted Istanbul mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu plunged Turkey into turmoil, sparking mass protests. Hundreds of thousands have taken to the streets.
Why it matters for Mesut Özil
Özil, the son of Turkish immigrants in Germany, has long been a supporter of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, who was the best man at his wedding. The 36-year-old recently became a member of a key leadership committee at Erdoğan's ruling AKP party.
What comes next?
The opposition's boycott call targets companies and brands, mostly seen as government-aligned. Prosecutors in Istanbul launched an investigation into the "divisive" call and "those spreading" it. Mesut Özil responded to a politician from the main opposition CHP, questioning which national team jersey he had worn.
Özil said he had played for Germany and had never doubted his "loyalty to my country and my nation". The former professional footballer wrote on social media platform X, "Let's not harm our local and national brands under the guise of a boycott. Let's protect our social cohesion!"
The politician had mocked Özil on X. Özil's response was swift, defending his loyalty to Germany. The boycott call has drawn sharp criticism from government officials.
Mesut Özil's statement was made late Tuesday. The mass protests in Turkey continue, with İmamoğlu's party calling for more demonstrations. The situation remains volatile, with hundreds of thousands taking to the streets.
The investigation into the boycott call is ongoing. Mesut Özil's involvement in Turkish politics has sparked debate. His support for President Erdoğan is well-known.
The former German international has been a key figure in Turkish politics. His recent appointment to the AKP party's leadership committee has been widely reported. Mesut Özil's statement on social media has been seen by many as a call for calm.
The situation in Turkey remains tense. The opposition's boycott call has been met with resistance from the government. Mesut Özil's rejection of the boycott call has been seen as a significant development.
The former footballer's loyalty to Germany has been questioned by some. However, Özil has consistently stated his commitment to his country. The debate surrounding the boycott call continues, with Mesut Özil at the center.
The Turkish government has been criticized for its handling of the crisis. The opposition's boycott call has been seen as a response to the government's actions. Mesut Özil's statement has been seen as a call for unity.
The former German international has been a vocal supporter of President Erdoğan. His recent statement on social media has been widely reported. The situation in Turkey remains volatile, with Mesut Özil's involvement in politics continuing to spark debate.