Kerem Demirbay criticizes experience with German national team

Former German international Kerem Demirbay has expressed deep regret regarding his decision to play for the German national team instead of Turkey. In an interview with journalist Yağız Sabuncuoğlu, the 33-year-old midfielder stated that he would never play for Germany again, even if offered the opportunity.

Demirbay claims that his international career with the DFB effectively ended after a 2017 Confederations Cup match against Cameroon. After scoring the opening goal, he removed his jersey, revealing a tattoo of the outline of Turkey on his shoulder blade. He alleges that this incident changed his standing with the federation and the media, leading to him being excluded from future call-ups despite successful periods in the Bundesliga.

Demirbay, who currently plays for Kasimpasa in Turkey, emphasized his Turkish identity, noting that his parents are both Turkish. He expressed that his greatest regret remains never having worn the Turkish national team jersey, despite spending eighteen months attempting to switch his international allegiance.