Arsenal boss Unai Emery: 'I respect Mesut Ozil's Germany decision'

Newly-appointed Arsenal manager Unai Emery has said that he respects Mesut Ozil's decision to retire from international football with Germany.

The German playmaker, who has a Turkish heritage, came under heavy criticism after posing for photographs in London with Turkish president Recep Tayyip Erdogan, who has been accused of human rights abuses.

Following media backlash in his home country, the Germany international announced his retirement from the national side, citing his frustrations over the lack of support from the German FA over the abuse he has received.

However, his club manager Emery has voiced his support over his decision, and believes that Arsenal will offer him a home in this difficult period.

"It's a personal decision [which] I respect," said Emery in a press conference. "We are like his home. We are like his family. We are going to help him to feel good.

"He feels here with us that he can work every day, and it is good for us that he decided to come here and work with us before our two matches.

"I prefer to give him normality in the team, he feels good with us."

Emery's side play Atletico Madrid in the International Champions Cup on Thursday, before facing his former side Paris Saint-Germain on Saturday.