Lothar Matthaus has hit out at Mesut Ozil claiming that it looks like he doesn’t want to play for Germany.

Repeating tired tropes we’ve become accustomed to from large sections of the British media, Matthaus referenced Ozil’s body language which looked no different against Mexico than when he was being voted as the Germany fans’ player of the year again and again

Of course, his comments come in the wake of the scandal’ that erupted when Ozil, along with Ilkay Gundogan, posed for photographs with Turkey’s wannabe-dictator, Recep Tayyip Ergdogan.

Since then, Ozil has been the subject of relentless criticism in his home country and boos from some of those same fans who supported him for so long.

MOSCOW, RUSSIA - JUNE 17: Mesut Oezil of Germany looks dejected during the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia group F match between Germany and Mexico at Luzhniki Stadium on June 17, 2018 in Moscow, Russia. (Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)
MOSCOW, RUSSIA – JUNE 17: Mesut Oezil of Germany looks dejected during the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia group F match between Germany and Mexico at Luzhniki Stadium on June 17, 2018 in Moscow, Russia. (Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)

This would have an impact on anyone.

Despite all this, Ozil managed to record the third highest passing stats against Mexico, with the highest accuracy of that trio.

Only 3 players on the pitch from both sides touched the ball more than Ozil in that game which is quite the stat if you think he doesn’t want to play for Germany. He also played four key passes.

“His body language is negative and he plays without joy,” Matthaus said in his column in Bild.

“I have the feeling that he is not comfortable with the German national team jersey, as if he did not want to play. He has no heart, no joy, no passion in his football.”

But he wasn’t finished there…

MOSCOW, RUSSIA - JUNE 17: Mesut Oezil of Germany reacts during the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia group F match between Germany and Mexico at Luzhniki Stadium on June 17, 2018 in Moscow, Russia. (Photo by Hector Vivas/Getty Images)
MOSCOW, RUSSIA – JUNE 17: Mesut Oezil of Germany reacts during the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia group F match between Germany and Mexico at Luzhniki Stadium on June 17, 2018 in Moscow, Russia. (Photo by Hector Vivas/Getty Images)

“Ozil does not understand what people in Germany expect from a national team player.

“I insist. I have no problem with Ozil for not singing the anthem. That depends on each player. Be it a German, Turkish or African root. But what I saw after the anthem in Moscow made me very angry. 10 German players greeted the fans who were in the stadium and only Ozil did not,” said Matthaus.

Given Ozil was the only player in the German side who was booed by his own fans, it’s hardly surprising he was in no rush to greet them, is it?

It’s also worth noting that Ozil returned from a knee injury to play in the game against Mexico and has struggled with a back injury all season.