ISTANBUL: Germany forward Mario Gomez is leaving Turkish champions Besiktas due to the volatile political situation in the country, he said on Wednesday.

The former VfB Stuttgart and Bayern Munich forward scored 26 league goals last season as he helped the club win the Turkish league, a performance which also earned him a place in the Germany squad for Euro 2016.

"The reason for this is completely down to the political situation," the 31-year-old said on his Facebook page.

"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 said.

"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."