Mesut Özil has announced his retirement from football


By Neo Poho

2014 FIFA World Cup champion Mesut Özil has announced his retirement from football at the age of 34 with immediate effect.

The German born player began his senior club career playing for hometown club Schalke 04 before signing with Werder Bremen in 2008 at the age of 19 years.

Known for his technical skills, creativity, passing skills, and vision Özil then created interest from La Liga giants Real Madrid joining the Spanish team in 2010 until 2013.

In his playing days at Real Madrid Özil won the La Liga in 2011-2012, Copa del Rey in 2010-2011 and the Supercopa de España in 2012.

In 2013 Özil became the most expensive German player ever at that time joining Arsenal from Madrid in a transfer that was worth up to £42.5 million.

Having rather a successful run with the English Premier League side, Özil helped Arsenal win three FA Cups to end the nine-year trophy drought at the Emirates.

The 34 year old's departure at Arsenal wasn't as swift as his appointment, leaving the side to join Fenerbahçe in Turkey making 32 appearances and scoring 8 goals in the process.

With injuries being Özil's number enemy, the former Germany star has only made eight appearances in his new side İstanbul Başakşehir after joining them last year.

Özil announced his retirement via a statement on his Instagram account on Wednesday afternoon with a lot of football fans receiving the news as a shock.

The statement read: "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.

"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, Fenerbache and Başakşehir 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 all to 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!"

Among some of the biggest trophies Özil has won, the former Arsenal player has also won the DFB-Pokal with Werder Bremen, Community Shield twice with Arsenal and the European U/21 Championship with Germany.

Article Tags

Football

Mesut Özil

Germany

Arsenal

Real Madrid

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