Former Real Madrid mildfilder, Mesut Ozil retires from football
At the age of 34, Mesut Ozil has announced his retirement from football.
The former Real Madrid and Arsenal midfielder, regarded as one of the most talented playmakers of his generation, earned 92 caps for Germany and was a member of Joachim Low’s 2014 World Cup-winning squad.
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He joined Istanbul Basaksehir in July of last year, but has seen limited action for the Turkish club due to recurring injury problems.
Ozil stated that he was “extremely grateful” for his nearly 20-year career in professional football, but that the time had come for him to leave the “big stage.”
After careful consideration, he announced his immediate retirement from professional football on Instagram.
“I’ve had the opportunity to be a professional football player for nearly 17 years, and I’m extremely grateful for it.
“However, in recent weeks and months, as a result of some injuries, it’s become increasingly apparent that it’s time to retire from professional football.
“It has been an incredible journey filled with unforgettable experiences and feelings. I would like to thank my clubs – Schalke, Werder Bremen, Real Madrid, Arsenal, Fenerbahce, and Basaksehir – as well as the coaches and teammates who became my friends.
After beginning his professional career with Schalke, Ozil excelled in the Bundesliga with Werder Bremen before joining Real Madrid in 2010.
In 2012, he won LaLiga with the Spanish capital and has been named German Player of the Year five times.
Ozil became an Arsenal player in 2013, winning four FA Cups and being named the club’s Player of the Year for 2015-16.
After being frozen out of the first team, the midfielder joined Fenerbahce in January 2021 and scored nine goals in Istanbul over the course of a season and a half.
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