At 34 years old, Mesut Ozil, who previously played as a midfielder for Arsenal, Real Madrid, and Germany, has announced his retirement.
Ozil wrote on Instagram that it was becoming “more and more clear that it’s time to leave the big stage of football”, pointing injuries as the main cause.
After joining Istanbul Basaksehir from Fenerbahce last summer, Mesut Ozil only made two starts for the club. His last appearance was on February 2nd, during a Turkish Super Lig match against Kayserispor, where he was replaced at halftime in a match that ended in a 1-0 loss for his team.
The statement issued by Ozil read: “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 has 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 from time to time on my social media channels.”
Mesut Ozil spent more than seven years at Arsenal and played in 254 games, winning four FA Cup titles during his time with the club. His arrival in north London in September 2013 was orchestrated by Arsene Wenger, after the midfielder had spent three years at Real Madrid, where he won LaLiga and the Copa del Rey.
Before his time in Spain, Ozil played for Werder Bremen and Schalke in Germany. Additionally, he had a successful international career with Germany, earning 92 caps and starting in their 1-0 victory over Argentina in the 2014 World Cup final.