Mesut Ozil retires from football aged 34 as ex-Arsenal star hangs up boots
Mesut Ozil has announced his retirement from football at the age of 34.
The former Real Madrid and Arsenal midfielder has called time on his career after a brief stint with Istanbul Basaksehir, who he only joined back in July. Ozil had moved to Turkey with Fenerbahce just over two years ago following the termination of his contract at Arsenal.
Confirming his decision in a statement, 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 04, Werder Bremen, Real Madrid, Arsenal FC, Fenerbahce, Basaksehir and the coaches who supported me, plus team-mates who have become friends.
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"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. Thank you to all my fans who have shown me so much love no matter the circumstances and no matter which club I was representing.
"Now I'm looking forward to everything that is in front of me with my beautiful wife, Amine, and my two beautiful daughters, Eda and Ela - but you can be sure that you will hear from me from time to time on my social media channels. See you soon, Mesut!"
Ozil alongside Arsene Wenger after winning the 2017 FA Cup with Arsenal (AFP/Getty Images)Having started his career in the German Bundesliga with Schalke and Werder Bremen, it was with Madrid whom he truly made his name at the top level after a stellar 2010 World Cup campaign with Germany. Los Blancos fended off competition from Europe's elite to land Ozil's signature as he joined their star-studded squad under the management of Jose Mourinho.
Ozil's ability to create chances and provide assists for his teammates quickly earned him a reputation as one of the world's best playmakers and he was on the shortlist of contenders for the 2011 Ballon d'Or award. He helped Madrid to the LaLiga title in the 2011-12 season and was the division's leading assist-maker across all three seasons which he played there.
His performances in Spain saw Arsene Wenger move for Ozil as he sealed a £42.5million switch to Arsenal in 2013. He was much heralded by the Arsenal faithful and soon became a club icon after helping them to three FA Cups, though things eventually turned sour.
Ozil was most recently playing in TurkeyOzil's £350,000-per-week contract, rewarded to him after his standout form, became a sticking point with Gunners fans as Arsenal slipped out of the top four and his form dipped. His role at the club was quickly diminished following the appointments of Unai Emery and successor Mikel Arteta - the latter of whom agreed to terminate Ozil's contract after he fell out of favour for selection.
Ozil earned 92 caps for the German national team and played a huge part in them winning the 2014 World Cup but he retired from international football in 2018 following a row with the German FA (DFB) and media criticism over his Turkish heritage after he posed alongside Turkey president Recep Tayyip Erdogan in a photograph.
Away from football Ozil is a well-known philanthropist and also has a number of business ventures. Among them he has his own M10 Esports company, and his agent Dr Erkut Sogut, has previously suggested Ozil could potentially become a professional gamer after his football career comes to an end.
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