Mesut Ozil, former Real Madrid and Arsenal player, has announced his retirement from football.
The 34-year-old former German international spent eight years at the Emirates Stadium after a £42.5million switch to North London from Spanish giants Real Madrid in 2013.
Ozil disclosed his retirement via his official Twitter account (@M10) on Wednesday.
As a player, he won four FA Cup titles for Arsenal before joining Fenerbahce in January 2021.
“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.”
He described his football journey as an amazing one filled with unforgettable moments and emotions.
He thanked the clubs he had played for – Schalke 04, Werder Bremen, Real Madrid, Arsenal FC, Fenerbache, Basaksehir, the coaches who supported him and team mates who have become friends.
He added, “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 (winks).
“See you soon, Mesut!”