Retired German football star Mesut Ozil, who is currently playing for the Turkish club Istanbul Basaksehir, confirmed that he misses Qatar and the atmosphere in which he lived during the past days.
The State of Qatar hosted the 22nd edition of the 2022 World Cup, between November 20 and December 18, 2022, at 8 stadiums, and ended with Argentina winning the title for the third time in its history at the expense of France.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino admitted that Qatar hosted "the best World Cup in history".
Ozil posted a video clip and a photo on his Instagram account, with a comment praising the atmosphere he experienced during the short period in which he visited Qatar.
Ozil appeared in the picture wearing a white "thobe", which is one of the traditional Arab costumes, and he also appeared in a video clip dancing the Qatari "Al Ardha" dance while holding a sword.
The world champion with Germany in the 2014 World Cup commented on the post, saying: "I really miss Qatar, I enjoyed a lot."
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A post shared by Mesut Özil (@m10_official)
Ozil had previously praised the wonderful organization of the World Cup in Qatar, and wrote in a previous tweet - through his official account on Twitter - "It's great to be in Qatar for the 2022 World Cup.. Thank you for the hospitality and perfect organization. It's always a pleasure to be here."
He added, "I wish Qatar all success in the remainder of the tournament, God willing. We will see you again soon," adding that the flags of Turkey and Qatar were attached.
Great to be in Qatar for the #WorldCup2022.
⚽🏆 Thanks for the great hospitality & the perfect organization - it's always a pleasure to be here.
All the best to Qatar for the remaining tournament - insha'Allah we see us soon again.
🤲🏼🇹🇷🇶🇦 pic.twitter.com/bBU0PFwKvm
- Mesut Özil (@ M10) December 1, 2022
Ozil also supported the Morocco national team before its match against France in the 2022 World Cup semi-finals, which was held on Wednesday, December 14, 2022 at Al-Bayt Stadium.
On that day, Ozil published a picture of him while he was in the stands, along with a comment urging the Moroccans to win the match, in which he said: "I can't wait to watch the wonderful semi-final match between France and Morocco," accompanied by the symbol of the cup and the flags of the two countries, adding: "Come on, Morocco." .
Can't wait for this great World Cup semi-final... 🇫🇷🏆🇲🇦 Let's go Morocco... 🤲🏼🇲🇦❤️ #Qatar2022 pic.twitter.com/0CcxN2HH7g
- Mesut Özil (@ M10) December 14, 2022
Ozil was remarkably interactive with the Moroccan national team, which finished the World Cup Qatar in fourth place, as he had previously congratulated him on his victory over Portugal in the quarter-finals.
At the time, Ozil posted - via Twitter - "I am proud... what a team! What an achievement for the African continent and the Islamic world."
"It's great to see such fairy tales being played out in modern football. This will give many people more strength and hope."