The Turkish Football Federation's former European football director Erdal Keser admits they made an attempt to cap Mesut Ozil ahead of Germany.

The former Schalke and Arsenal midfielder is now playing in Turkey with Fenerbahce.

Keser recalled: "Mesut Ozil was not dismissed during the period, but that that process had to do with (then Turkey coach) Fatih Terim's influence.

"Mesut's choice for Germany belongs to him and his family. If he had not chosen Germany, he would not have had such a career.

"(But) with Germany, they must always be successful as a Turk."