Ilkay Gundogan: Ethnic Diversity Reflects Today's German Society

JAKARTA - Ilkay Gundogan, captain of Germany's national team, on Thursday 6 June said Germany needed leaders from ethnic backgrounds to accurately reflect the current community in the country. Gundogan, whose parents are from Turkey, spoke days after a furore caused by a poll by ARD television station showing that one-fifth of German citizens want more white players in the national team.

German coach Julian Nagelsmann, who prepared his team for Euro 2024 this month at home, and some players say that the poll is racist. "I know that people like me need to be in leadership positions because it reflects Germany's new reality," Gundogan told Der Spiegel magazine.

"We may look different but we are also Germany. I know that I can be a role model. But that's not something I want to emphasize too much," he said. Polls, ordered by ARD, a public television station that has Euro 2024 rights starting on June 14, say that about a fifth of those questioned want more white players on the national team.

"I don't want to be too serious about myself. I'm not captain of the team because of my migration background. They have nothing to do with it. It's about how teammates and coaches see you," Gundogan said.

"You only captain if you are seen and recognized by the team as an open, honest, and good person," he added.

The television station said a reporter who worked on a ARD documentary about football and diversity was repeatedly faced with statements about the composition of the national team.