It was a reaction to the stress - Boateng explains Ozil's Germany retirement

Kevin-Prince Boateng believes that Mesut Ozil's international retirement was "a reaction to the stress" of being publicly criticised and discriminated against in Germany.

The Berlin-born forward played for Germany at underage level before switching to Ghana and believes his own experiences are similar to the Arsenal star's.

Ozil retired from international football after the World Cup, releasing a three-part statement where he highlighted racism and discrimination in Germany and its football association.

Boateng says he was surprised by Ozil's decision to take a step back from playing for Germany but admits he can relate to the choice, having also experienced discrimination while playing.

"I did not expect it," Boateng told Bild. "I think it was a reaction from the stress, and I'm talking from experience, I know what it's like when everyone comes at you, when you're really harshly criticised when your family gets hit."