Timo Werner: Ozil Germany return would make squad happy

RB Leipzig forward Timo Werner has urged former Germany teammate Mesut Ozil to rethink his decision to retire from international football.

The Arsenal playmaker picked up 92 caps, as well as a 2014 World Cup winners medal, over a nine-year spell with Die Mannschaft.

However, following a controversial photograph with Turkish president, Recep Tayyip Erdogan – as well as Germany’s terrible showing as they crashed out of the 2018 World Cup in the group stages – many fans and pundits scapegoated Ozil for the nation’s footballing failings.

That prompted Ozil to call time on his national team career, releasing a long statement on the subject, but Werner believes the German squad would welcome him back with open arms.

The past couple of weeks have given me time to reflect, and time to think over the events of the last few months. Consequently, I want to share my thoughts and feelings about what has happened. pic.twitter.com/WpWrlHxx74

— Mesut Özil (@MesutOzil1088) July 22, 2018

He told SportBild (via Goal): “I think many in the team would be happy if Mesut Ozil said, ‘I’ll do it again’.”

Werner, who made three appearances at this summer’s World Cup, also admitted that he may have to leave Leipzig if he is to reach the same level as the likes of Eden Hazard and Antoine Griezmann.

He added: “You can only do that if you are in a Champions League final or at least a semi-final.

“In Leipzig, we are not quite ready to achieve that.”

Werner is under contract with Leipzig until 2020 but, with the European transfer window still open, there is still a chance he could leave the club.

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