Mesut Ozil has to return to Germany side for benefit of him and the team, says Arsene Wenger

Mesut Ozil’s international retirement is bad for both him and Germany, claims Arsene Wenger.

The Arsenal star called time on his international career in controversial fashion following the fallout from his meeting with Turkish president Recep Tayyip Erdogan, accusing the German Football Association of “racism and disrespect”.

Following their group stage exit at the World Cup, Joachim Low’s side are without a win from their three Uefa Nations League games this season, losing to the Netherlands and France over the current break.

Wenger, who left Arsenal after 22 years in the summer, however, has called on Ozil and the German authorities to settle their differences for the benefit of both sides.

“I believe that Germany needs Ozil,” Wenger told Bild. “I hope that Low can convince him that he will come back. Ozil is a super football player and was not the worst in the World Cup.

“I did not like that he left the team. A little bit of motivation disappears when you know that you do not have to be ready for the World Cup and European Championship.

“I love it when the player is as good as possible. If he does not play on an international level, a bit is lost.”

Wenger also revealed that he plans to return to work in the New Year, though is unsure as to what his next role will be.