Mesut Ozil, the former Arsenal and Real Madrid midfielder, has announced his retirement from football at the age of 34.
The Germany international and 2014 World Cup champion had been playing for Istanbul Basaksehir in Turkey, but he has decided to terminate his contract and retire after just eight appearances this season due to injury.
Ozil began his career with hometown club Schalke in Germany before a successful stint with Werder Bremen earned him a berth on the German national squad.
After outstanding performances for Germany at the 2010 World Cup, the player relocated to Madrid. Then, he spent eight years with Arsenal. Ozil left Arsenal for the Turkish club Fenerbahce in 2021 after their partnership ended.
He was left out of the Arsenal squad for months before his departure following a disagreement with manager Mikel Arteta. Ozil joined Istanbul Basaksehir last summer but struggled with injuries during his time there, making only seven appearances for the team.
Confirming his decision in a statement on social media, Ozil said:
“Hello everyone, after thoughtful consideration, I’m announcing my immediate retirement from professional football.
“I’ve had the privilege to be a professional football player for almost 17 years now and I feel incredibly thankful for the opportunity. But in recent weeks and months, having also suffered some injuries, it’s become more and more clear that it’s time to leave the big stage of football.
“It has been an amazing journey filled with unforgettable moments and emotions. I want to thank my clubs – Schalke, Werder Bremen, Real Madrid, Arsenal, Fenerbahce, Basaksehir and the coaches who supported me, plus team-mates who have become friends.
“Special thanks must go to my family members and my closest friends. They have been a part of my journey from day one and have given me so much love and support, through the good times and the bad.”
Arsenal sent in a their well wishes via twitter saying: “Thanks for the memories – wishing you all the best in your retirement, Mesut 💗”
Ozil made 645 appearances for club and country, scoring 114 goals and providing 222 assists during his career. He signed for Real Madrid a month after winning the World Cup in Brazil in 2014 and spent three years in Spain, winning one LaLiga title and the Spanish Super Cup.
Source – Tru News Report
