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Topics: Football, Arsenal, Mesut Ozil, Mikel Arteta, Premier League
Rory O'Callaghan
Topics: Football, Arsenal, Mesut Ozil, Mikel Arteta, Premier League
Arsenal have congratulated Mesut Ozil on his career after he announced his retirement at the age of 34.
Former Real Madrid, Arsenal and Germany midfielder Ozil confirmed in a statement on Wednesday that he had called time on his professional career after leaving Turkish side Istanbul Basaksehir because of injury problems.
"Hello everyone, After thoughtful consideration, I'm announcing my immediate retirement from professional football," wrote Ozil.
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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."
Ozil began his career with Schalke before moving on to another Bundesliga side, Werder Bremen, in 2008.
He would later move to Real Madrid, winning La Liga and the Copa del Rey in a four-season spell with the Spanish giants, before joining Arsenal in a £42.5m move in 2013 - becoming the most expensive German player in history at the time.
Ozil would go on to score 44 goals and provide 79 assists in 254 games for the Gunners, winning the FA Cup on four occasions while at the Emirates.
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However, his time in north London would end on a sour note, with the player leaving for Turkish side Fenerbahce in 2021 after being frozen out of the first-team following a falling out with Arteta.
He would spend two seasons with the Turkish club before moving to Basaksehir in July of last year but had managed only seven appearances this season before calling time on his career.
Despite the manner of his departure from the Emirates, Arsenal have sent a heartfelt message to Ozil on Instagram.
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"Thanks for the memories - wishing you all the best in your retirement, Mesut," posted the club's Instagram account, alongside a video of Ozil's highlights with the Gunners.
A separate statement on the club website added: "Everyone at the club wishes Mesut the best in his retirement."
In addition to his success in club football, Ozil also had a glittering international career, earning 92 caps for Germany and winning the World Cup in 2014.
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In his retirement statement, Ozil thanked his supporters and outlined his plans for the future.
"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," he added.
"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."