Mertesacker talks Ozil retirement

Ozil, 29, hung up his international boots after criticism received after being photographed with Turkish president Erdogan - the midfielder reportedly received hate mail was blamed for Germany's World Cup performance. 

Announcing his retirement, he said: "I am German when we win, but I am an immigrant when we lose."

The German FA rejected Ozil's allegation of racism but did agree that more could have been done to protect the Turkish-born player from abuse. 

Mertesacker remarked on the ordeal, saying "no-one did a good job in dealing with it".

"Some players decided to retire in their own fashion. In Mesut's case, it wasn't possible.

"I feel sad about the football association and Mesut and that they didn't find a way to go out on good terms.

"Who is the next Mesut Ozil? Who can step up and take us up to the Frances of this world, who overtook us when we were feeling complacent?"