Alexis Sanchez has paid tribute to Mesut Ozil after the World Cup winner announced his retirement from football aged 34.
Ozil confirmed he would be hanging up his boots on Wednesday, posting an emotional statement to his legion of followers on social media. "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.”
Since the announcement, tributes have been pouring in for Ozil, who at his peak, was one of the most exciting players in world football. The German international played for a host of European giants, including most notably, Real Madrid and Arsenal.
Ozil spent almost eight years at the Emirates, before his contract was ripped up by current Gunners boss Mikel Arteta. There were good times for Ozil in English football though, winning four FA Cups and helping Arsenal end their long trophy drought.
A lot of that success was built upon the near-telepathic relationship he had with Sanchez. The two lined up together 123 times and for much of that time, shouldered the burden of an otherwise outmatched Arsenal squad under Arsene Wenger.
It’s perhaps no surprise then that Sanchez felt the two had a special bond, posting a message to Ozil after his retirement. “We really understood each other, my friend Mesut. Wishing you the best in your next chapter”
The feeling is clearly mutual as well, with Ozil placing the Chilean amongst the greatest Arsenal XI of his era. There were clearly no hard feelings towards his old employers either, name checking the Gunners in his farewell to football.
"It has been an amazing journey filled with unforgettable moments and emotions,” Ozil’s statement continues. “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!"
