Julian Brandt named as Mesut Ozil’s Germany replacement for the No.10 shirt
MESUT OZIL has already seen his beloved No.10 shirt passed on following his Germany retirement - with young forward Julian Brandt handed the historic jersey.
The Arsenal star resigned from international duty following Die Mannschaft's embarrassing World Cup campaign - failing to escape the group stages for the first time since 1938.
Ozil, 29, believed he was unfairly made a scapegoat for his country's failings - as well as citing "racism and disrespect" within the German FA in an emotional three-part statement.
And the five-time German player of the year's mood is unlikely to improve after seeing his No.10 jersey handed over so quickly after his announcement.
Bayer Leverkusen starlet Brandt, 22, will take on the number for Germany's Nations League clash with reigning world champions France.
Brandt was the only bright spark in what was a torrid tournament for the Germans out in Russia, and will be keen to stake his claim as his country's new spearhead in attack.
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Ozil was finally given the No.10 permanently for Germany in September 2016 after spending most of his international career wearing the number eight.
His love for the top is so great he even requested it at Arsenal with then-owner Jack Wilshere heading out of the Emirates door this summer - Ozil previously donned the No.11 for the Gunners.
Past owners of the jersey for Germany include Lukas Podolski, Julian Draxler and 1990 World Cup winner Lothar Matthaus.
And Ozil appears to have a return and a possible reunion with his shirt blocked after boss Joachim Low announced that the door is firmly shut on his international career after the race row.
