Mesut Ozil, a former Arsenal and Real Madrid midfielder, has announced his immediate retirement from football at the age of 34.
The 2014 World Cup champion was representing Istanbul Basaksehir in Turkey, however, he announced his retirement midway through the 2022–23 season after seeing just 187 minutes of football action.
Ozil joined Basaksehir following a year and a half with Fenerbahce, joining after falling out with Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta.
A controversial figure for his recent connection to Turkish president Recep Tayyip Erdogan, the German was often criticised for his languid on-pitch manner, but retires with the joint-second-best creative season in Premier League history (19 assists in 2015-16).
Ozil wrote on Instagram: “Hello everyone, After thoughtful consideration, l’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.
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“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, Fenerbahçe, 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.
“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.
“See you soon, Mesut!”
Thank you ❤️ pic.twitter.com/Aqr4pB5SI2
— Mesut Özil (@M10) March 22, 2023
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