Mesut Ozil of Germany has announced his retirement from professional football at the age of 34.
On Wednesday, February 22, 2023, the former Real Madrid midfielder took to social media to announce his retirement from football after 17 years.
The player who announced his retirement revealed in a post that his time as a footballer was great, but he had suffered minor injuries, which could be the reason he is hanging up his boots.
Mesut Ozil, who has played for clubs such as Arsenal, Shalker O4, Werder Bremen, and Real Madrid, has expressed his gratitude to the teams and former teammates for their unwavering support and love over the years.
He revealed in his retirement statement, which was shared on his social media platforms, that despite struggling with injuries, he is now focusing on spending quality time with his family.
His statement read below:
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 FC, Fenerbahge, 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”
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Ozil, who is known for his technical abilities, creativity, passing ability, and vision for assists, made his professional debut for the German national team in 2009 at the age of 20.
His inclusion in Germany’s 2014 squad helped the team win the FIFA World Cup after beating Argentina 1-0 in extra time thanks to a Mario Gözte goal before retiring from the German team in 2018 due to political tensions.
Mesut began his career with Shalke 04 in the second division and advanced to the senior level, where he made 30 appearances before joining Werder Bremen in 2006.
During his time at Werder Bremen, he scored 13 goals in 71 appearances before moving on to Real Madrid in 2010, where he spent three seasons.
He won one La Liga title, one Copa del Rey title, and one before joining Arsenal for a fee of €50 million in 2013 and winning four FA Cups.
Mesut Ozil’s last teams before retiring from professional football were Fenerbahçe Spor Kulübü and Istanbul Başakşehir F.K.
SOURCE: www.hellovybes.com
