Mesut Ozil is known for being outspoken and has had a long-time friendship with President of Turkey, Recep Tayyip Erdogan. Now, the former Real Madrid and Arsenal star has joined the ruling party in Turkey.
36-year-old Ozil, who played for the German national team but is of Turkish descent, was elected to the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) Central Decision and Management Board during a party congress on Sunday.
Ozil’s relationship with Erdogan previously caused controversy between him and German officials. Ozil, an instrumental part of Germany’s 2014 World Cup win, would eventually retire from international football in 2018.