Mesut Ozil, one of the most influential playmakers of the current generation, has announced his retirement from football at the age of 34.
The German superstar, who had been playing in Turkey since his departure from Arsenal back in 2021, took to Instagram to announce this decision. The 2014 FIFA World Cup winner was under the books at Istanbul Basaksehir but found playing time hard to come by after signing from Fenerbahce last summer.
Injuries played their part but the player's parting message was that of gratitude, with the midfielder thanking his former clubs Schalke, Werder Bremen, Real Madrid, and Arsenal for the memorable career he has enjoyed in Europe.
"After thoughtful consideration, I'm announcing my immediate retirement from professional football," Ozil message stated.
"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, Werder Bremen, Real Madrid, Arsenal, Fenerbahce, and Basaksehir - and the coaches who supported me, plus teammates 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."
Despite his unceremonious Emirates Stadium exit, the Gunners paid tribute to the German ace, thanking him with a brilliant compilation of his most memorable moments during his time in North London.
Thanks for the memories - wishing you all the best in your retirement, Mesut pic.twitter.com/sqDFl3esj2
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) March 22, 2023
Likewise, Real Madrid sent out a heartfelt message to their former no.10, with the Spanish giants wishing the best of luck to the player and his family in their future endeavors.
Ante el anuncio de @M10 sobre su retirada del fútbol como jugador profesional, el Real Madrid C. F. quiere mostrar su agradecimiento, su admiración y su cariño a uno de nuestros grandes jugadores. Mucha suerte, querido Mesut, para ti y para tu familia. https://t.co/83Ebkx5hsm
— Real Madrid C.F. (@realmadrid) March 22, 2023
While Mesut had fallen out of favor in spectacular fashion at Arsenal following the arrival of Mikel Arteta, the midfielder still spent seven years at the Emirates Stadium and racked up a whopping 254 appearances after being signed from Los Blancos by Arsene Wenger. The German helped the Gunners end their infamous nine-year trophy drought in 2014 and won four FA Cup titles while at the club.
In Spain, Mesut enjoyed a brilliant partnership with Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema, making 159 appearances and racking up 108 goal contributions. In fact, it was during his time at the Bernabeu — and subsequently, Arsenal — when the German earned the "Assist King" nickname as only Lionel Messi (133) set up more goals than Ozil (122) in Europe's top five leagues from 2008 to 2018.
Additionally, the 34-year-old also got his hands on the greatest trophy in the beautiful game, the FIFA World Cup. He was part of the iconic German national team that won the 2014 edition, beating Brazil 7-2 in the semifinals and Argentina 1-0 in the final at the Maracanã.