Mesut Ozil has announced his retirement from professional football at the age of 34.
In a Twitter post on Wednesday morning, the former Arsenal and Real Madrid star confirmed his decision, stating: “After thoughtful consideration, I’m announcing my immediate retirement from professional football”.
Ozil began his career at Schalke and moved on to Werder Bremen, where he helped the team reach the final of the 2009 UEFA Cup and won the DFB Pokal Cup.
He then moved to Real Madrid, where he won the league in 2012 and the Copa del Rey twice. However, Ozil’s fortunes at the club declined with the rise of Cristiano Ronaldo, and he eventually joined Arsenal in 2013.
Ozil’s time at Arsenal was marked by some high points, but also periods of being frozen out of the team. He spent the last few years of his career in Turkey, playing first for Fenerbahce and then Istanbul Basaksehir. He was also part of the Germany team that won the 2014 World Cup.
Reflecting on his decision to retire, Ozil said: “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 have 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.”
He concluded: “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 you will hear from me from time to time on my social media channels. See you soon, Mesut.”
Ozil retires after making a total of 598 appearances across his club career, scoring 98 goals and registering 133 assists.
