Ex-Arsenal star Mesut Ozil has announced his immediate retirement from professional football. Midway through his Turkish side Istanbul Basaksehir’s season, the 34-year-old has opted to hang up his boots. He sent a lengthy statement on social media announcing his retirement from the game.
The former Arsenal midfielder and Germany international has played for Istanbul Basaksehir in Turkey’s top division since joining the club in the summer, but due to injury issues, he has only made eight appearances. The playmaker, who left Fenerbahce after spending 18 months there, has played only 187 minutes of football this season as a result of back problems.
Mesut Ozil pens lengthy note announcing retirement
Mesut Ozil made a statement about the news on Instagram. It ends a trophy-laden career for the attacking player, who was once regarded as the best No. 10 in football. The World Cup winner thanked all of the clubs he has represented, including Arsenal and Real Madrid, while he also acknowledged the toll that recent injuries have had on him. Ozil wrote in his Instagram post:
“Hello everyone, After thoughtful consideration I’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.
“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. 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. See you soon, Mesut!”
Mesut Ozil made his debut with Schalke in 2006, and by the time he joined Werder Bremen in 2008, he had established himself as a star in the Bundesliga. Yet it was his outstanding World Cup performances for Germany in 2010 that led to a £13 million summer transfer to Real Madrid. Prior to joining Arsenal, Ozil spent time in Madrid where he won LaLiga and the Cup del Rey.
The midfielder was acquired by the Gunners for £42.5 million in 2013, and he soon rose to fame in north London. Ozil eventually scored 44 goals and dished out 79 assists in 254 games for Arsenal, lifting four FA Cups in three years. And it was at this period that he also helped Germany win the World Cup in 2014 in Brazil. Yet, after Arsene Wenger left Arsenal, Ozil saw a significant reduction in his playing time under Unai Emery and Mikel Arteta. Finally in January 2021, Ozil moved to Turkey with Fenerbahce.