Mesut Ozil, the former Arsenal, Real Madrid, and Germany midfielder, has announced his retirement at the age of 34.
Ozil’s post on Instagram and Twitter read: “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.” He said.
Ozil also stated how the injuries he suffered over the past few months made his decision to football stage concrete.
The former German International played with Schalke, Werder Bremen, Real Madrid, Arsenal, and Fenerbahce before ending his career in Basaksehir.
He thanked family, friends, and football fans for making his journey as a footballer a blissful one.
He concluded his post by expressing his excitement about having ample time with his wife, Amine, and his two daughters, Eda and Ela.
Ozil enjoyed a successful international career, earning 92 caps for Germany and starting in the 1-0 win over Argentina as they lifted the 2014 World Cup.