Former Arsenal and Real Madrid star Mesut Ozil has announced his retirement from football. The German playmaker spent eight years at the Emirates Stadium after completing a £42.5million move to north London from Spanish giants Real Madrid in 2013.
Ozil played a key role in helping the Gunners win four FA Cup titles before joining Fenerbache in 2021. The 34-year-old has endured a difficult end to his glittering career after being hampered by injuries before confirming his decision to retire from the game.
Ozil announced his retirement with a statement on social media. The statement read: "After thoughtful consideration, I'm announcing my immediate retirement from professional football.
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"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, Fenerbache, 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 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 *wink emoji*.
"See you soon, Mesut!"
Ozil had a huge impact on some of the current Arsenal stars during his time at the Emirates Stadium, including Bukayo Saka. The Hale End star recently revealed how Ozil had impressed him the most when he graduated from the academy into the first team.
When asked by Football Focus who impressed him the most when he arrived in the first team, Saka said: "I think I would probably say Mesut Ozil. He plays in his own world.
"Some of the things he does and you look at him, just wow." Ozil's contract with Arsenal was eventually mutually terminated back in January 2021 after manager Mikel Arteta decided not to name the mercurial midfielder in his squad for the Premier League or Europa League that season.
This is a developing news story that will be updated with relevant information as we get it. More to follow...
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