Mesut Ozil has announced his retirement from football at the age of 34, through his social media channels. Ozil was playing for the Turkish side Basaksehir at the time of his retirement.
“After thoughtful consideration, I am 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 is time to leave the big stage of football.” Ozil’s retirement statement reads in part.
The 34-year-old German midfielder played for some of the biggest football clubs in the world like Shalke 04 and Werder Bremen in Germany where he made his name and attracted Spanish giants Real Madrid which he joined in 2010.
In 2013, Ozil joined Arsenal on transfer deadline day at the then club’s record transfer fee of £42.4 million. He became the club’s highest earner after signing a contract extension in January 2018 before falling out with new manager Unai Emery and subsequently joining Fenerbahce and then Basaksehir in Turkey where he retired.
Ozil was eligible to represent Turkey on the international stage but chose his country of birth Germany where he played 92 matches and won the World Cup in 2014 in Brazil before unceremoniously retiring from international football in 2018 citing racism from the national team.
Career stats
Although his end has been on the low, Mesut was one of the most creative midfielders in the world during his prime where his vision and creating an extra second on the ball were his biggest threats on the pitch.
Shalke 04: 39 matches, one goal, five assists
Werder Bremen: 108 matches, 16 goals, 54 assists
Real Madrid:159 matches, 27 goals, 81 assists
Arsenal: 254 matches, 44 goals, 79 assists
Fenerbahce: 37 matches, nine goals, three assists
Basaksehir: Seven matches
Germany national team: 92 matches, 23 goals.
Honours
1 FIFA World Cup (Germany)
1 UEFA Euro U21 (Germany)
4 FA Cups (Arsenal)
FA Community Shield (Arsenal)
1 La Liga (Real Madrid)
1 Copa Del Rey (Real Madrid)
1 Supercopa de Espana (Real Madrid)
Ozil was named German Player of the year five times.
