Bukayo Saka. INSET: Mesut Ozil
Mesut Ozil has backed his former Arsenal team-mate Bukayo Saka to bounce back from his Euro 2020 heartbreak and told the forward to ‘stay strong’ after he was targeted with racist abuse.
Saka’s miss from the spot saw Italy crowned European Champions with a 3-2 victory in the shoot-out at Wembley.
Ozil, who played alongside the youngster at the Emirates, sympathised with the forward and said he deserved respect for having the courage to step up for his country.
“I felt very much for Bukayo,” Ozil told Sky Sports. “I know from my own experience how it feels to miss a penalty.
“In a final, as the last one, to take on the responsibility of an entire nation as a young player – respect. Not many players would dare to do that.”
Jadon Sancho and Marcus Rashford also missed their penalties and all three players were subjected to racist abuse on social media following the game.
Ozil, who played for Germany between 2009 and 2018, cited racism as the reasons for his retirement from international football.
The midfielder, who has Turkish parents, tweeted: “I am German when we win, but I am an immigrant when we lose.”
The 32-year-old said racism will continue to be an issue but told Saka it was important to stay strong.
“There will always be people who racially abuse and scapegoat people of different backgrounds and skin colour when they lose.
“Unfortunately there will always be a small part of our community that racially insults and threatens players.
“We should focus much more on the positive messages that keep players strong,” he added.
Ozil also believes the 19-year-old has a bright future, adding: “Bukayo is blessed with a talent that not many have. If he remains as humble and determined as he already is, I am a hundred per cent convinced that he has a great future ahead of him and can become a great player.”