Mesut Ozil Announces Immediate Retirement From Football

Former Germany, Real Madrid and Arsenal midfielder Mesut Ozil has announced his immediate retirement from football.

The 34-year-old took to social media to announce he has decided to hang up his boots after thoughtful consideration. The midfielder has decided to terminate his contract with Istanbul Basaksehir midway through the season and call it quits.

Mesut Ozil began his professional senior football career at German side Schalke 04. He then joined Werder Bremen and spent four seasons at the club before moving to Real Madrid in the summer transfer window of 2010. Ozil then signed for Arsenal in the summer of 2013 and was a player for the English side until his departure to Fenerbahce in January 2021.

Mesut Ozil’s contract with Fenerbahce was terminated by mutual agreement in July 2022, and the midfielder then signed for Istanbul Basaksehir. Ozil has also represented the German national football team. He made his debut for Germany in 2009 and made 92 appearances for the national team. He announced his retirement from international football in 2018.

Mesut Ozil retires from football aged 34

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In his statement announcing his decision to retire, Mesut Ozil said: “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 teammates 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.”