Jurgen Klopp passionately defends under-fire Arsenal star Mesut Ozil

- Ozil came under heavy criticisms after being photographed with Turkey President Recep Tayyip Erdogan

- The verbal attack contributed to the German star retiring from international football after the World Cup

- The Arsenal star cited racism and lack of support from the German Football Federation as part of his reason to retire

- Liverpool manager Klopp has now launched a passionate defence of the ex-Real Madrid player

Liverpool manager, Jurgen Klopp, has initiated a passionate defence of embattled Arsenal star midfielder, Mesut Ozil.

This comes amid ongoing controversy surrounding Ozil's retirement from international football days after Germany's shock exit in the group stages of the 2018 World Cup in Russia.

Days before the global football tournament Ozil posed for a photo with Turkey president Recep Tayyip Erdogan alongside Manchester City midfielder, Ilkay Gundogan.

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The photo received a huge backlash especially from large portions of the German public, prompting Ozil to explain the decision.

Later, the Germany national team bowed out of the tournament after a disappointing performance, with Ozil opting to call it quits with the team.

The midfielder cited racism and lack of support from the German Football Federation as part of his reasoning to retire.

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The assertions were, however, dismissed by the likes of Manuel Neuer, Toni Kroos and Thomas Mueller.

On his part, Bayern Munich president Uli Hoeness launched a series of attacks on Ozil, claiming the player 'a well-marketed product whose image is a lot better than he is.'

However, Klopp has disagreed with the claims, with the former Borussia Dortmund tactician contending that Ozil has been scapegoated and victimised for no apparent reason.

‘'This is a classic example of absolute misinformation and, of course, complete nonsense, Klopp told sport1. ‘This photo was used – first by Erdogan, then by many other people.

'I know Ilkay Gündogan very well, I know Emre Can and Nuri Sahin very well. I do not know Mesut so well, but I would like to take him home. I do not doubt these guys at least about their loyalty to our homeland," he added.

Meanwhile, Legit.ng had earlier reported president of the German Football Association, has tendered an apology to Arsenal star Mesut Ozil following his decision to quit international football.

Mesut Ozil retired from international football after the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia in which he explained that racism and disrespect masterminded his decision to have quit.

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