Manchester City midfielder Ilkay Gundogan has defended himself over criticism of his recent activity on Instagram.
Gundogan 'liked' a picture uploaded by Everton and Turkey forward Cenk Tosun which carried the caption: "For our nation, especially for the ones who are risking their lives for our nation."
The picture was of Tosun and his Turkey teammates celebrating a goal in their 1-0 victory over Albania on Friday night with a military-style salute.
The celebration is widely believed to have been a gesture of support for the Turkish armed forces in the conflict with Syria.
However, Gundogan would later remove his like from the post over suggestions he was endorsing Tosun's supposedly politically charged post.
"It is blatant what is written these days is for clicks," Gundogan said after scoring twice in Germany's 3-0 win over Estonia on Sunday night.
"I thought I liked a photo of a friend I've lived with in Manchester, who's having a tough time at Everton, barely playing, then scoring a goal and leading his team to victory.
"Next, I believe 200,000 other people have liked this image, footballers from all over the world. Then we are the two picked and made a story out of. It's a pity.
"There was absolutely no political intention behind it. Emre [Can, who also 'liked' and 'unliked' the picture] and I are both consistent against any kind of war and terror, no matter where it takes place in the world.
"That's why it was only intended as a pure support for our friend."
