Former Arsenal And real Madrid midfielder Mesut Ozil He announced that he quit football at the age of 34.
The 92-time Germany national team and 2014 World Cup winner played for Istanbul Başakşehir in Turkey, but has now made the decision to terminate his contract and extend his career negotiation due to injuries, having played only eight times this season.
He left Arsenal in 2021, out of favor with the boss. Mikel Artetacombining Fenerbahce where he stayed for 18 months until last summer.
He wrote on social media: “Hi everyone, after much thought, I am announcing my immediate resignation from professional football.
“I have had the privilege of being a professional football player for almost 17 years and I am incredibly grateful for this opportunity. But in recent weeks and months, after suffering some injuries, it has become increasingly clear that it is time to leave football’s big stage.
“It was a wonderful journey filled with unforgettable moments and emotions. I would like to thank my clubs – Schalke, Werder Bremen, Real Madrid, Arsenal, Fenerbahçe, Başakşehir and the coaches who supported me and my teammates who were friends.
“I must convey my special thanks to my family members and closest friends. They have been a part of my journey from day one and have given me so much love and support in both good and bad times.”
Özil’s time at Arsenal has been marred by off-field controversies. In December 2019, the club stepped away from comments criticizing the Chinese government for its treatment of Uighur Muslims.
He had a sultry relationship with Arteta following the manager’s appointment, only playing a few games before freezing on the sidelines and being removed from the club’s 25-man Premier League squad at the start of the 2020/21 season.
The club broke the transfer record for signing the German international from Real Madrid on the last day of 2013, paying £43m to support the team’s nascent title fight.
The club spent more days in its first season than any other team and eventually fell and finished fourth. Arsene Wenger’s team finished the season by winning the FA Cup, while Özil scored seven goals and provided 13 assists.
His form became inconsistent for the remainder of his time in North London, and the club’s fan base was divided when he was awarded a new £350,000-a-week contract in 2018.
His time with the national team was similarly fragile, starring at Germany’s victorious World Cup in Brazil with a poor performance in the 2018 tournament, and the team being the scapegoat as they exited the group stage.
He distanced his fans even further by posing for a photo with Turkish president Recap Erdogan, prompting his fans to question his loyalty.