Former Real Madrid and Arsenal midfielder, Mesut Ozil has announced his retirement from football at the age of 34, Sportivationng.com reports.
Ozil made the announcement on his Twitter handle on Wednesday morning.
“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 04, Werder Bremen, Real Madrid, Arsenal FC, Fenerbache, 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 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 wink emoji.
“See you soon, Mesut!”
Thank you ❤️ pic.twitter.com/Aqr4pB5SI2
— Mesut Özil (@M10) March 22, 2023
Ozil burst onto the scene at the 2010 World Cup with impressive performances for Germany which led to a move to Real Madrid.
At Real Madrid, He won the Spanish La Liga title, Copa Del Rey and the Spanish Super Cup.
Ozil joined Arsenal in 2013 in a deal worth £42.5million.
He enjoyed a topsy-turvy eight years at Arsenal, winning four FA Cup trophies before leaving acrimoniously in January 2021.
Ozil was a key member of the German team that won the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.
He retired from international duty in 2018, scoring 23 goals in 92 appearances.
