Former Real Madrid and Arsenal star Mesut Ozil has announced his retirement from professional soccer at 34.
The Germany International has been playing for Istanbul Basakshir had made 8 appearances for the club following injury problems.
Ozi revealed the news on his Instagram account in a statement which read in part as follows:
“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.’
Ozil left Arsenal in January 2021 after he was frozen out Mikel Arteta. He released a statement in which he showed no ill feeling towards Arsenal after signing for £42.5 million from Real Madrid in 2013.
‘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.
‘See you soon, Mesut!’
Ozil was part of the Germany team that won the 2014 World Cup.
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