Mesut Ozil: A second former Arsenal & Real Madrid star retires this week

The football world has lost another former Arsenal and Real Madrid star in Mesut Ozil.

Mesut Ozil has pulled the curtain on his professional football career with immediate effect.

The 34-year-old is the second former Arsenal and Real Madrid player to hang up his boots this week after ex-Togo striker Emmanuel Adebayor.

Ozil announced his decision this Wednesday on social media. The announcement came after an injury-hit campaign in Turkey. He’d only made four appearances for Istanbul Basaksehi this season following back injury and fitness problems.

Thank you ❤️ pic.twitter.com/Aqr4pB5SI2

— Mesut Özil (@M10) March 22, 2023

Ozil’s retirement message in full

“Hello everyone, After thoughtful consideration, I’m announcing my immediate retirement from professional football,” Ozil wrote in a statement.

“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, Fenerbahce, Ba§akwhir and the coaches who supported me, plus teammates 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.

“Now I’m looking forward to everything that is in front of 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 from time to time on my social media channels. See you soon, Mesut!”

What were his career stats?

Ozil managed 114 goals and 222 assists in 645 games across his club career. He played in the German, Spanish, English, and Turkish leagues.

At the international level, the former midfielder helped Germany win the 2014 World Cup. He won 92 caps for the national team, producing 23 goals and 40 assists.

“Mesut Ozil” by Kieran Clarke is licensed under CC BY 2.0.