Mesut Ozil has announced his retirement from professional football. The former Arsenal and Real Madrid playmaker has confirmed he’s hung up his boots at the age of 34.
He announced on his twitter page:
After thoughtful consideration, I’m announced 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, its become more and more clear that its time to leave the big stage of football.
He continued:
It has been an amazing journey filled with unforgettable moments and emotions. I want to thank my clubs – Schalke 04, Werder Bremen, Real Madrid, Arsenal FC, Fenerbahce, 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.
Ozil chose to play for his country of birth, Germany. He was part of the Germany world cup winning squad in 2014. He retired in 2018.
