Former Arsenal, Real Madrid and Germany star Mesut Ozil announces retirement from football aged 34
Former Arsenal and Real Madrid star Mesut Ozil has announced his retirement from professional football, aged 34.
The former Germany international had been playing for Turkish top-flight side Istanbul Basaksehir since joining in the summer but has only made eight appearances for the club due to injury problems.
Back problems have largely caused the playmaker to play just 187 minutes of football this season after leaving Fenerbahce after 18 months at the club.
Ozil revealed the news on Instagram in a statement saying:
Hello everyone, After careful consideration, I am announcing my immediate retirement from professional football.
“I have had the privilege of being a professional football player for almost 17 years now and I am incredibly grateful for this opportunity.
“But in recent weeks and months, having also suffered injuries, it has become increasingly clear that it is time to leave the big football stage.”
Ozil left the Gunners in January 2021 after being frozen out by current boss Mikel Arteta, but in a statement he showed no resentment towards his former club where he won four FA Cups after signing for 42.5 million from Real Madrid to much fanfare. 2013.
“It was an incredible journey filled with unforgettable moments and emotions,” he added.
“I want to thank my clubs – Schalke, Werder Bremen, Real Madrid, Arsenal, Fenerbahce, Basaksehir and the coaches who supported me, as well as my teammates who became friends.
“Special thanks must go to my family members and closest friends. They have been part of my journey since day one and have given me so much love and support, in good times and in bad times. bad times.
“Thank you to all my fans who showed me so much love no matter the circumstances and no matter what club I was representing.
“Now I look forward to all that awaits me with my beautiful wife, Amine, and my two beautiful daughters, Eda and Ela – but you can be sure you will hear from me from time to time on my social media .media channels.
“See you soon, Mesut!
The former international Geman came through the youth team of his local club Schalke before joining Werder Bremen where he won the DFB Pokal Cup and helped the team reach the 2009 UEFA Cup final.
He then moved to Real Madrid, where Ozil won the league in 2012 as well as the Copa del Rey twice.
However, he fell out of favor and in 2013 he moved to Arsenal, where he spent the next eight years.
Ozil left the Gunners in January 2021 after being frozen out by current boss Mikel Arteta. He has spent the last few years in Turkey, first with Fenerbahce and then Istanbul Basaksehir. Ozil was part of the Germany squad that won the 2014 World Cup.
