Mesut Ozil speaks out for first time since Germany retirement at Arsenal fan event in Singapore

Ozil has spoken for the first time since retiring from international duty

Mesut Ozil refused to bite back at Bayern Munich chief Uli Hoeness in his first public appearance since retiring from international duty.

Ozil quit Germany duty citing "racism and disrespect" after comments were made about his Turkish roots following his country's shock elimination from the World Cup.

Hoeness had slammed Ozil as "s*** for years" in a damning assessment of the midfielder following his retirement exit statement.
But at a fan event in Singapore, where Arsenal are at their pre-season training camp, Ozil was all smiles with supporters and appeared to have moved on from the drama.
"It's very exciting to be in Singapore. It's our second time here and we really enjoy coming," he told a gathering of Arsenal fans a day ahead of a friendly against Atletico Madrid at the National Stadium. They also play Paris Saint-German on Sunday.

"We are expecting good matches against Paris Saint-German and Atletico Madrid. They are great teams with great players, it's a test for us to get ready for the new season, so it's something to look forward to."

Ozil was all smiles at the event in Singapore

Ozil was also criticised for meeting Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in May, where the pair were photographed holding up an Arsenal shirt, and he has yet to comment on his retirement since he announced it through social media.

Arsenal forward Reiss Nelson and midfielder Alex Iwobi sat alongside Ozil at the fan event in Singapore with the former admitting new coach Unai Emery had been very active in his first few training sessions with the club.

"Training has been good and Emery has been a major influence to what we are doing on the training ground," the 18-year-old England youth international said.

"He's looking to bring through the young players as well... pushing them, so they will have a feeling they can shine under the new coach."

Spaniard Emery, who has also managed Valencia, Sevilla and Paris Saint-Germain, was brought in to replace Arsene Wenger after the Frenchman ended his almost 22-year tenure at the helm of the North London club at the conclusion of last season.