Former Arsenal midfielder and Germany international, Mesut Ozil, has confirmed he has retired from football at the age of 34 with immediate effect.
Ozil disclosed this on Wednesday through his official Instagram account where he wrote, ‘Hello everyone, After thoughtful consideration, l’m 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’s time to leave the big stage of football.
“I want to thank my clubs – Schalke, Werder Bremen, Real Madrid, Arsenal, 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.
‘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 vou will hear from me from time to time on my social media channels.”
He played a significant part in helping Germany win their fourth World Cup during the tournament held in Brazil, where he was prominently featured including in the legendary 7-1 win over the host nation in the semi-final as well as the final itself against Argentina.
