German star Mesut Ozil announced his retirement from football permanently at the age of 34, ending a career during which he won a number of trophies, most notably the 2014 World Cup.
Ozil retired from international football in 2018 and refused to represent Germany, and said he felt racist and disrespected by criticism in the media and among German politicians for his Turkish origins and Islamic religion, according to a statement on his retirement.
Ozil, who recently played for Turkey's Istanbul Basaksehir, said in a statement on Instagram: "I have had the honor of playing in professional competitions for almost 17 years and I am very grateful for this opportunity."
Thank you ❤️ pic.twitter.com/Aqr4pB5SI2
— Mesut Özil (@M10) March 22, 2023
"But in recent weeks and months, after some injuries, it has become more and more clear that it is time to close the curtain on my career."
Ozil's journey with football began at German club Schalke, where he arrived in the first team in 2006, and two years later moved to Werder Bremen.
The German star joined Real Madrid in 2010, and remained in its ranks for 3 seasons, after which he moved to Arsenal, in a long experience that lasted 8 seasons, after which he left for the Turkish club Fenerbahçe and then his compatriot "Istanbul Basaksehir".
At international level, Ozil made 92 appearances for Germany, scoring 23 goals with 40 assists, and playing an important role in their 2014 World Cup triumph in Brazil.
👏 Following Mesut Ozil's announcement of his retirement from professional football, Real Madrid want to show their gratitude and admiration to one of their great players.
We wish you and your family all the best. @M10 pic.twitter.com/UlBFUztjDP
— Real Madrid (@realmadridarab) March 22, 2023
Real Madrid were keen to say goodbye to Ozil after the decision to retire, as he posted a message on his official account in "Twitter" that read: "After Mesut Ozil announced his retirement from professional football, Real Madrid wants to show its appreciation, admiration and sympathy for one of our great players. Good luck, dear Masood, to you and your family."
Thanks for the memories – wishing you all the best in your retirement, Mesut ❤️ pic.twitter.com/sqDFl3esj2
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) March 22, 2023
Arsenal also published a farewell message to Ozil, in which he said, "Thanks for the memories, we wish you all the best Mesut," and included a video of the most prominent goals and moments of the player with the "Gunners".