Football
ESPN staff 8y

Mario Gomez leaves Besiktas because of Turkey's political instability

Germany international striker Mario Gomez is leaving Turkish club Besiktas due to the political instability the country is experiencing.

The former Bayern Munich and Stuttgart man joined the Istanbul side on loan from Fiorentina last summer, but has announced on his Facebook page that he will not be returning next season.

Turkey was the staging ground for an attempted military coup early on Saturday morning, which caught the attention of the world. Though the attempt was squashed just hours later, Gomez, who played for Germany at Euro 2016 this summer, called his decision to leave "difficult."

"It was a difficult decision that I had to think about a lot. I have to tell you Besiktas fans personally that it is very heavy for me that I will not be playing for this great club in front of you wonderful fans in this unique stadium anymore," Gomez stated, before citing the instability in the country.

"The reason for this is completely down to the political situation! There are no sporting or any other reasons that have made me make this decision. It is purely down to the terrible events that happened in the last few days. I hope you can understand that!"

Gomez then thanked the club for their support of him and his family, before expressing his hope the country's issues can be solved quickly.

"I owe huge thanks to the club, to you fans and to all the people with whom my family and I had a lot of wonderful times! It was a fantastic year with the Championship providing the absolute highlight.

"I hope that these political problems can be solved in a peaceful manner soon. Then it would be my great wish to play for Besiktas again! The club and the country grew very close to my heart in this past year. Hope to see you again soon."

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