Mesut Ozil, one of the most talented football players of his generation, has announced his retirement from professional football at the age of 34.
The German midfielder, who played for several top clubs throughout his career, confirmed the news in a Twitter post on Wednesday morning, thanking his fans and teammates for their support and encouragement.
Ozil’s football journey began at Schalke, where he quickly established himself as a promising young talent.
He then moved on to Werder Bremen, where he helped the team reach the final of the 2009 UEFA Cup and won the DFB Pokal Cup. His performances attracted the attention of Real Madrid, who signed him in 2010 for a fee of around £15 million.
At Madrid, Ozil flourished under the guidance of manager Jose Mourinho, helping the team win the league title in 2012 and the Copa del Rey twice.
However, his fortunes at the club declined with the rise of Cristiano Ronaldo, and he eventually joined Arsenal in 2013 for a then club-record fee of £42.5 million.
Ozil’s time at Arsenal was marked by some highs, including winning the FA Cup four times and earning a reputation as one of the Premier League’s most creative players.
However, his relationship with the club deteriorated in the last few years, and he was eventually frozen out of the team. He then moved to Turkey, playing first for Fenerbahce and then Istanbul Basaksehir.
Throughout his career, Ozil was known for his sublime technique, his vision, and his ability to create chances for his teammates.
He was also a key member of the Germany team that won the 2014 World Cup, contributing to their success with his creativity and intelligence on the ball.
Reflecting on his decision to retire, Ozil expressed his gratitude for the support he received from his family, friends, and fans throughout his career.
He also hinted that he would stay active on social media, promising to keep his followers updated on his life after football.
Ozil’s retirement marks the end of an era in football, as one of the sport’s most gifted players hangs up his boots.
However, his legacy will live on, as fans and analysts alike remember his incredible skill and creativity on the field.