Ilkay Gundogan has expressed his regret over Mesut Ozil's retirement from the Germany national team, while suggesting that racist attitudes contributed to his decision.
Gundogan and Ozil, who are of Turkish descent, were criticised in some sectors for visiting Turkey president Recep Erdogan in the build-up to the World Cup.
Germany went on to crash out of the tournament in the first round for the first time since 1938, with Ozil again coming under the microscope for his performances in Russia.
The Arsenal star subsequently withdrew from international football , sparking a fierce war of words with certain members of the Germany hierarchy.