Former German International football player Mesut Ozil has announced his retirement from football at the age of 34 with injuries playing a huge part in his decision. He made this announcement in an official statement which reads:
“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’s been an amazing journey filled with unforgettable moments and emotions. I want to thank my clubs – Schalke, Werder Bremen, Real Madrid, Arsenal, Fenerbahce and 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.
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 time to time on my social media channels.â€
The former Real Madrid and Arsenal midfielder played his final game against Kayserispor in the Turkish Super Lig, a 1-0 loss for his Istanbul Basaksehir’s side on the 2nd of February, 2023.
This announcement brings an end to a well decorated career of the 92-times capped German International whopreviously spent 3 years at Real Madrid where he won the La Liga and the Copa del Rey as well as spells at his native Germany for Werder Bremen and Schalke 04. The 2014 World cup winner had an 18-month spell at Fenerbahce, where he played 37 times and had his contract terminated before he joined Turkish rivals Basaksehir. He also played for English club Arsenal, where he won 4 FA Cups during his over seven years stay at the club spanning over 254 appearances.