Former Real Madrid and Arsenal midfielder Mesut Ozil has announced his retirement from the round leather game.
The 34-year-old, who represented Germany 92 times, made the announcement via social media on Wednesday.
Ozil was part of the German team that beat Argentina in the final to win the FIFA World Cup in 2014.
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“It has been an amazing journey filled with unforgettable moments and emotions,” Ozil said in a statement on soical media.
“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.”
The creative midfielder, renowned for his exquisite and inch-perfect passes, started his glorious career at Schalke and Werder Bremen. He joined Spanish giants Real Madrid in 2010, winning La Liga, the Copa del Rey and the Spanish Super Cup.
Time at Arsenal
He later moved to Arsenal for a then club record fee – £42.4m – in September 2013.
While with the Gunners, he won consecutive FA Cups in his first two seasons. In his third season at the north London side, he was named player of the season. He won the FA Cup again in 2017.
Interestingly, Ozil became the highest-paid player in the club’s history in January 2018. He signed a three-and-a-half-year contract on about £350,000 a week before tax. However, he had an enstranged relationship with Arsenal boss Unai Emery, who only recently joined the club at that time.
The playmaker left Arsenal uncelebrated and joined Fenerbahce on a free transfer in January 2021. However, his contract was cancelled by mutual consent in July 2022.
After signing for Istanbul Basaksehir, he was hampered with injuries that seriously limited his game time. He was restricted to just eight appearances for the club.
At international level, the father of two was named Germany player of the year five times. He was part of the side that reached the semi-finals of the 2010 World Cup and Euro 2012.
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However, he called it quits on his international career in 2018, citing disrespect and racism experienced in Germany. He was criticised after being seen with Turkish president Recep Tayyip Erdogan.
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