Germany's Loew relaxed on Ozil national team dilemma
Hamburg - Germany coach Joachim Loew said he would not be giving Werder Bremen midfielder Mesut Ozil a first international cap in order to head off an approach from Turkey.
"We don't do that sort of thing. There will be no promises from us," Loew told Deutsche Presse-Agentur dpa on Monday.
It follows an interview by the Germany under-21 player with Turkish parents in which he said he would consider playing for Turkey should he be approached by national team coach Fatih Terim.
The Germany-born Ozil, 20, who is regarded as one of Germany's biggest talents, can until he reaches 21 decide to switch to play for Turkey although he has already appeared for Germany's under-21 team.
Ozil said that should he be asked by Turkey he would decide on the spur of the moment.
Loew could end any discussion by selecting Ozil for Germany's friendly international on February 11 against Norway.
"He has a role in our internal planning but it is his decision. It's something he has to decide for himself," Loew said. (dpa)