Former Arsenal and Real Madrid player, Mesut Ozil has confirmed he’s hung up his boots at the age of 34.
Ozil has announced his playing days are over after a brief spell with Istanbul Basaksehir. The midfielder retires after a career that saw him win La Liga and the Copa del Rey with Real Madrid and then move to Arsenal where he claimed the FA Cup four times.
Ozil also starred at international level and lifted the World Cup with Germany in 2014. The player has endured a tough few years since leaving the Gunners and has now decided his playing days are over.
“After thoughtful consideration, I’m announced my immediate retirement from professional football,” he wrote in a post on Twitter. “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, its become more and more clear that its 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, Ba§akwhir 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.”
He added in his statement: “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!”
