Mesut Ozil Retirement: Former Arsenal and German international, Mesut Özil has announced his retirement from football. The 34-year-old, who had been playing for Istanbul Basaksehir in Turkey, has decided to end his career with immediate effect. Ozil made only eight appearances this season due to regular injuries. Notably, Ozil left Arsenal in 2021, after a fallout with manager Mikel Arteta, to join Fenerbahce, where he stayed for 18 months. Follow Football LIVE Updates on InsideSport.IN
The 2014 World Cup winner took to social media to announce his decision. He stated, “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.”
Thank you ❤️ pic.twitter.com/Aqr4pB5SI2
— Mesut Özil (@M10) March 22, 2023
The former Real Madrid midfielder expressed gratitude to his clubs as well as his coaches and teammates. He also acknowledged the support of his family and closest friends throughout his career.
“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, Fenerbache, 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 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 made 254 appearances for Arsenal and also made 159 appearances for Real Madrid. The 34-year-old also won 92 caps for Germany, scoring 23 goals and lifting the World Cup in 2014.
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