Wolfsburg midfielder Ashkan Dejagah has defended his recent decision to withdraw from the German U-21 squad to play Israel.
The 21 year old turned down the chance to play for the U-21 side in their match in Tel Aviv for alledged political reasons. Both his parents are Iranian, and he also possesses an Iranian passport.
However, Dejagah has claimed he was not making a stance in defence of Iran, but merely following the wishes of his parents.
"The whole situation had nothing to do with me personally, but I did it for my family" he told Stern.
"I have not been to Iran for five or six years, but my parents regularly visit relatives in Tehran."
Dejagah added that he hopes his decision, which caused an uproar in Germany, will not damage his chances of playing for Germany in future.
"It is always a great feeling to play for Germany and it is still my aim to play for the senior team and be involved in a World Cup for Germany” he said.
"I had requests to play for Iran, which I could have done up to my 21st birthday, but I never even considered it."
Goal.com - Germany - Dejagah Defends Israel Withdrawl