Ozil, who is third generation Turkish-German, was widely criticised for meeting Erdogan before the World Cup last summer, where both he and Germany spectacularly flopped as they exited in the group stages. He met with the controversial president in London last May , alongside fellow Germany international Ilkay Gundogan and Everton's Cenk Tosun, who plays international football for Turkey. German fans turned on Ozil following his displays at the World Cup, criticising the meeting with Erdogan. "For me, having a picture with President Erdogan wasn't about politics or elections, it was about me respecting the highest office of my family's country," he said in a statement at the time. German publication Bild claim that Ozil has asked Erdogan to act as a witness at his wedding next month.

Source: Daily Mirror May 19, 2019 17:51 UTC