)
The announcement was made on Ozil's Instagram page, where he stated that it was becoming "more and more clear that it's time to leave the big stage of football", with injuries playing a part in his decision.
Former Arsenal and Real Madrid midfielder, Mesut Ozil, has announced his retirement from professional football at the age of 34.
The announcement was made on Ozil's Instagram page, where he stated that it was becoming "more and more clear that it's time to leave the big stage of football", with injuries playing a part in his decision.
Ozil's last game was on February 2, where he was substituted at halftime during Istanbul Basaksehir's 1-0 defeat at Kayserispor in the Turkish Super Lig.
He had only made two starts for the club after signing from Fenerbahce last summer. Ozil also struggled with fitness problems during his 18-month spell at Fenerbahce.
In his statement, Ozil expressed gratitude for his 17-year football career, saying, "I've had the privilege to be a professional football player for almost 17 years now.”
“I feel incredibly thankful for the opportunity. It has been an amazing journey filled with unforgettable moments and emotions.”
“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.”
"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."
Ozil played for several clubs throughout his career, including Schalke, Werder Bremen, Real Madrid, Arsenal, Fenerbahce, and Basaksehir.
He collected four FA Cup winners' medals during his seven-year stint with Arsenal, where he made 254 appearances.
Ozil was brought to north London by Arsene Wenger in September 2013 after three years at Real Madrid, where he won LaLiga and the Copa del Rey. He also previously played for Werder Bremen and Schalke in his native Germany.
Ozil also enjoyed a successful international career, earning 92 caps for Germany and starting in the 1-0 win over Argentina as they lifted the 2014 World Cup.
Despite his impressive career, Ozil's final months with both Arsenal and Fenerbahce were unsatisfactory.
After missing the end of the 2019/20 season with injury, he was left out of the squad by Mikel Arteta for the first half of the following campaign before having his contract cancelled.
Similarly, Ozil was suspended for the final months of the 2021/22 season before having his contract terminated by Fenerbahce last summer.
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)