FRANKFURT (AP) - Werder Bremen midfielder Mehmut Oezil has been included in the Germany squad for the friendly match against Norway next week.
Oezil, who could also have played for Turkey, was one of the 21 players called up by coach Joachim Loew. If Oezil plays against Norway he will forfeit the right to represent Turkey. Oezil has already played for Germany's Under-21 team.
"I am pleased about my invitation and I will seek my chance with the German team," Oezil was quoted as saying by the German football federation. "I know that it is the right choice."
"It was not an easy decision since my family and many friends come from Turkey. It's also not a decision against my Turkish roots," said Oezil, noting that he is a third-generation Turk in Germany.
Loew said Oezil had told him last week that he wanted to play for Germany.
"It was then clear that we would invite him for the game against Norway. With him, we have another candidate with perspective in the midfield," Loew said.
The Turkish national side were also keen on Oezil.
"That's why we waited until he had made his decision on wanting to play for Germany," Loew added.
Another newcomer was defender Andreas Beck from the Bundesliga's surprise leader Hoffenheim.
Goalkeeper Robert Enke of Hannover, who is playing again after breaking his hand, was omitted despite being the chosen successor of Jens Lehmann as first-choice keeper after the European Championship.
Bayern Munich striker Lukas Podolski, who has resumed training after three months out because of a back problem, was also left out.
Loew said Wednesday's game in Duesseldorf was too soon for both Enke and Podolski.
Captain Michael Ballack and midfielder Torsten Frings, who had a public row with Loew, were back in the squad. Ballack and Frings both missed Germany's last game, a 2-1 loss to England in November. Ballack was ruled not fit enough after an injury and Frings was left out by mutual agreement.
The captain had criticized Loew for leaving Frings on the bench for two World Cup qualifiers. Both players later apologized and Loew had said they would return to the team.
why???????? no german in you!!!! i hope him and dejagah get along good.
Oezil, who could also have played for Turkey, was one of the 21 players called up by coach Joachim Loew. If Oezil plays against Norway he will forfeit the right to represent Turkey. Oezil has already played for Germany's Under-21 team.
"I am pleased about my invitation and I will seek my chance with the German team," Oezil was quoted as saying by the German football federation. "I know that it is the right choice."
"It was not an easy decision since my family and many friends come from Turkey. It's also not a decision against my Turkish roots," said Oezil, noting that he is a third-generation Turk in Germany.
Loew said Oezil had told him last week that he wanted to play for Germany.
"It was then clear that we would invite him for the game against Norway. With him, we have another candidate with perspective in the midfield," Loew said.
The Turkish national side were also keen on Oezil.
"That's why we waited until he had made his decision on wanting to play for Germany," Loew added.
Another newcomer was defender Andreas Beck from the Bundesliga's surprise leader Hoffenheim.
Goalkeeper Robert Enke of Hannover, who is playing again after breaking his hand, was omitted despite being the chosen successor of Jens Lehmann as first-choice keeper after the European Championship.
Bayern Munich striker Lukas Podolski, who has resumed training after three months out because of a back problem, was also left out.
Loew said Wednesday's game in Duesseldorf was too soon for both Enke and Podolski.
Captain Michael Ballack and midfielder Torsten Frings, who had a public row with Loew, were back in the squad. Ballack and Frings both missed Germany's last game, a 2-1 loss to England in November. Ballack was ruled not fit enough after an injury and Frings was left out by mutual agreement.
The captain had criticized Loew for leaving Frings on the bench for two World Cup qualifiers. Both players later apologized and Loew had said they would return to the team.
why???????? no german in you!!!! i hope him and dejagah get along good.
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