Mesut Ozil retires mid-way through the football season, aged 34, as he admits 'it's time to leave the big stage' after struggles in Turkey after Arsenal contract was terminated He made the announcement via his social media handles

BREAKING NEWS: Mesut Ozil retires mid-way through the football season, aged 34, as he admits 'it's time to leave the big stage' after struggles in Turkey after Arsenal contract was terminated



Mesut Ozil has confirmed he has retired from football at the age of 34 with immediate effect.


The former Arsenal midfielder and Germany international had been playing for Turkish top flight side Istanbul Basaksehir in the summer but has only made eight appearances for the club this season following a series of injury problems.


He revealed the news on Instagram in a statement reading: '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.

'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, Fenerbahçe, Basaksehir and the coaches who supported me, plus team-mates who have become friends.

Wishing him a happy retirement.
He first made his name in the Bundesliga, where he had some eye-opening performances for both Schalke and Werder Bremen 🇩🇪

(via @Bundesliga_EN)

Özil introduced himself to the masses at the 2010 World Cup.
In 2015, he became the fastest player to reach 50 Premier League assists (141 appearances), and he did so in style 😎

(via @arsenal)

In South Africa, no one had more assists than the German playmaker 🎁

(via @FIFAWorldCup)

He needs to retire.
It is obvious that he isn’t enjoying football anymore at all

Özil, that year.

Truly, Time and chance happens to all men.

Arsenal Legend

He will be missed by Carlos Puyol especially after that dribble during the el clasico

jamesversion:
Özil, that year.

Truly, Time and chance happens to all men.

na so, especially James Rodriguez too

Hmm. One of the greatest playmakers of his generation. Mesut u don try. 🤔🤔

One of the greatest midfielder in football history

1

Rip ,, my condolences

Damn!

Ozil my real niggar! A legend and much more!!!

There's time for everything under the sun.☀️

He's made his own mark.

Dbull on this one!!

He's quite young!
I pray something positive happen to my music o or else I might retire before even starting a proper career

Happy retirement Enjo Ferrari the 2nd

Greatest playmaker of all time

:'
One of the most underrated and underappreciated players

His eyes are offside

Agba awo

Bruno3000:
Arsenal Legend

Not true

Football as a career is quite a short one.

Average of 10 years max .

saysugar:
na so, especially James Rodriguez too

Where that one de self?

dapsoneh:
He will be missed by Carlos Puyol especially after that dribble during the el clasico

That would be di Maria

Happy retirement man

Rest in Peace

A legend discovered by Mourinho.....

Viva Mesut

Nairalander248:
Rest in Peace

You snuff cocaine?

Okay

To me, he retired the very day he left REAL MADRID

His biggest mistake was joining crappy arsenal. Such a pure talented and special midfielder