MESUT OZIL has announced his retirement from professional football.
The 34-year-old has decided to call time on his career midway through Turkish side Istanbul Basaksehir's season.
He confirmed his retirement in a lengthy statement on social media.
Ozil thanked all of the clubs he played for, including Arsenal and Real Madrid, but admitted that injuries in recent months have taken their toll on him.
He wrote: “Hello everyone, 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. 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.
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“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, 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.
“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!”
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It brings to an end a career stacked with trophies, with Ozil once regarded as the best No10 in world football.
Bursting onto the scene with Schalke in 2006, Ozil became a certified Bundesliga star when he joined Werder Bremen in 2008.
But it was his epic performances for Germany at the 2010 World Cup which secured a £13million move to Real Madrid that same summer.
Ozil won LaLiga and the Copa del Rey during his time in the Spanish capital before Arsenal came calling.
The Gunners paid £42.5m for Ozil in 2013, with the playmaker quickly becoming an Emirates cult hero.
Ozil ended up with 44 goals in 254 for Arsenal, winning an incredible three FA Cups in four years.
And it was during this time that he lifted the World Cup with Germany at Brazil 2014.
But back at Arsenal, Ozil started to find his minutes limited under Unai Emery and Mikel Arteta following Arsene Wenger's exit.
And Ozil eventually moved to Turkey with Fenerbahce in January 2021.
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Ozil lasted 18 months with the Istanbul giants before joining city rivals Basaksehir last summer.
But he failed to score in just eight appearances for his new side before calling a day on his career, last playing in a Super Lig defeat to Kayserispor on February 2.
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