Writer Paulo Coelho supports footballer Mesut Ozil

By Fatih Hafiz Mehmet

ANKARA (AA) - Brazilian writer Paulo Coelho supported footballer Mesut Ozil, after he announced retirement from the German national team, citing "discrimination and racism".

In a tweet Coelho quoted the footballer: "Worth reading : 'I am an immigrant when we lose'."

Coelho added: "Regardless what they say you were, is, and will always be a winner, Ozil."

Germany’s star player, who has Turkish origins, has been criticized by German politicians and media outlets after he met Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in May, ahead of elections in Turkey.

In a series of tweets on Sunday, Ozil defended his meeting with Erdogan during a charitable event in London, saying a picture with the Turkish president was not about politics or elections.

“It was about me respecting the highest office of my family’s country.

“I am German when we win, but I am an immigrant when we lose,” Ozil said.

Germany's shocking group-stage elimination at the 2018 World Cup in Russia sparked more criticism of the 29-year-old footballer.