Former Arsenal and Real Madrid midfielder Mesut Ozil has today announced his retirement from football.
He started his journey at Werder Bremen after leaving Schalke. Following his performance with Germany at the 2010 FIFA World Cup, Mesut Ozil was recruited by Real Madrid, where he flourished under Jose Mourinho.
Ozil left Real Madrid after Gareth Bale was acquired because he was considered surplus to requirements, and he signed with Arsenal in a club-record deal. He was essential to Germany’s 2014 FIFA World Cup victory, as they defeated Argentina 1-0. Third-generation Turkish-German Ozil ended his career in Turkey with Fenerbahce and most recently Istanbul Basaksehir.
Through his social media page, he revealed, “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, Fenerbahce, 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.” Read part of the statement.