Ozil reopens Germany wound as he takes sly dig at former team-mates Hummels and Muller by singling out only Boateng for praise
Arsenal ace retired from international scene after last year's World Cup and has now given backing to Boateng
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MESUT OZIL has taken to Twitter to praise Jerome Boateng after the defender’s Germany career was brutally cut short.
But there were no messages of support for Thomas Muller and Mats Hummels, who have also been told by Joachim Low that they will no longer feature on the international scene.
The snub threatens to open up old wounds from Ozil's falling out with the national team which saw him quit after last summer's World Cup.
Ozil wrote on social media to Boateng: “Chin up Bro. Since our very beginnings in the youth National teams we celebrated so many special moments together. You’re truly a friend and a great person on and off the pitch.
“I feel sorry one of the best German players of the last decade has to leave the National team in that way.”
Ozil’s decision to praise only Boateng could hint that he feels he didn’t get enough support from either Muller or Hummels - players he won the World Cup alongside in 2014 - when he stepped down from the German team last year.
Ozil had a huge fallout with German FA chiefs, culminating in his retirement.
Ozil cited “racism and disrespect” after he was criticised for posing with Turkey president Recep Tayyip Erdogan.
But his decision was met with mixed reactions by international teammates, with the likes of Toni Kroos left unimpressed.
Yesterday, shockwaves were sent throughout German football when Low revealed he had travelled to Munich to inform the Bayern trio they were out of his plans for the future.
Boateng, Muller and Hummels were all instrumental as Germany won the World Cup in Brazil.
But they also featured in last summer’s dismal campaign in Russia, which saw the former champions .
Low said: “I thank Mats, Jerome and Thomas for the many successful, extraordinary and unique years we shared.
“Now it’s time to set the course for the future. We want to give the team a new look. I am convinced that this is the right step.
“The youngsters coming through will have the room they need to grow. Now it’s up to them to take on responsibility.”
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Boateng himself has since revealed his disappointment with Low’s decision, adding: “I am personally convinced that I can still play at the highest level and will continue to do so.
“I was always extremely proud to wear the national team top and I will never forget the summer of 2014. But I would have obviously wished for a different departure.”