Germany striker Mario Gomez has confirmed that he will return to Besiktas due to ongoing unrest in Turkey.
The 31-year-old joined the Istanbul club on a season-long loan from Fiorentina last summer. The loan deal saw Besiktas have the option to sign the German international on a permanent transfer this summer.
He scored 28 goals in 41 appearances for the Turkish club in the 2015-16 season, which was crucial in helping Besiktas win the Super Lig. After an impressive last campaign, Gomez has decided not to return to the Vodafone Arena in Istanbul.
Last week, there was an attempted army coup in Turkey, which saw over 250 people dead, according to Al Jazeera. The situation has forced the former Bayern Munich striker to consider his decision of returning to Turkey and Gomez admitted after it was difficult for him to play for Besiktas once again.
"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 wrote on his official Facebook page.
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Gomez also went to confirm that his decision is down only due to the political situation in Turkey and remains hopeful the situation could be resolved soon.
"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," he added.
"I hope you can understand that! I 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."
After missing out from Germany's squad for the 2014 World Cup due to the injury knee injury he suffered in the 2013-14 season, he made it to the Joachim Low's squad for the Euro 2016. However, the World Champions were knocked out in the semi-final of the tournament by host nation France.
