Mesut Ozil, a former Arsenal and Real Madrid star, has announced his retirement from professional football.
The 34-year-old left the north London club in acrimonious circumstances just over two years ago, following the breakdown of his relationship with Mikel Arteta.
Ozil had hoped to restart his career in Turkey, but a move to Fenerbahce ended in bitter circumstances, and injuries prevented him from making an impact at Istanbul Basaksehir.
‘Hello everyone, after careful consideration, I’m announcing my immediate retirement from professional football,’ Ozil wrote on Instagram.
‘I’ve had the privilege of being a professional football player for almost 17 years now, and I’m extremely grateful for the opportunity. But, after suffering some injuries in recent weeks and months, it’s become increasingly clear that it’s time to exit the big stage of football.
‘It has been an incredible journey full of unforgettable moments and emotions. I’d like to thank my clubs – Schalke 04, Werder Bremen, Real Madrid, Arsenal FC, Fenerbahce, Basaksehir, and the coaches who helped me, as well as teammates who have become friends – for their support.
‘My family and closest friends deserve special recognition. They have been a part of my journey since the beginning and have shown me so much love and support in both good and bad times.
‘Thank you to all my fans who have shown me so much love regardless of the circumstances or the club I was representing.
‘Now I’m looking forward to everything that awaits 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 on my social media channels from time to time.’
At his peak, Ozil was regarded as one of the most gifted playmakers of his generation, rising to prominence in the Bundesliga with Schalke before joining Werder Bremen.
Ozil’s burgeoning reputation was enhanced at the 2010 World Cup, and a move to Real Madrid followed after Jose Mourinho’s personal intervention saw the Spanish giants beat Arsenal to his signature.
Arsene Wenger finally got his man after three successful years in Spain, when Carlo Ancelotti deemed Ozil surplus to requirements following the arrival of Gareth Bale from Tottenham at the Bernabeu.
Ozil was a divisive figure in England, winning the FA Cup three times with Arsenal but failing to lead them to the Premier League title.
At the international level, he was a divisive figure, having helped Germany win the World Cup in 2014 only to be blamed for their dismal group stage exit four years later in Russia, prompting him to abandon his country.
