Mesut Ozil announces retirement from football at 34

Mesut Ozil has announced his retirement from professional career at the age of 34. The midfielder was renowned for his incredible passing ability and vision. He is fondly remembered for his time with Real Madrid, as well as Arsenal. 

Injuries played a big role in his lack of game time, and he has now decided to end this chapter of his life after 17 years. Ozil was a part of the 2014 World Cup winning Germany squad, and won 92 caps for the national team, scoring 23 goals. 

Mesut Ozil announces retirement from football 

“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,” Mesut Ozil wrote on his social media accounts. 

His last professional game was for Istanbul Basaksehir last month, whom he joined from their rivals, Fenerbahce after his contract was terminated. His time at Arsenal also came to end in a similar sour fashion, but the contributions he provided over the years will remain in the highlight reels for a long time.