Mesut Özil has announced this Wednesday his retirement from professional football at the age of 34. The German of Turkish origin closes a journey of almost two decades, since 2005, in which he has gone through Schalke 04, Werder Bremen, Real Madrid, Arsenal, Fenerbahçe and finally Ba?ak?ehir, with whom this season He has barely played 187 minutes spread over 8 games.
“After careful consideration, I announce my immediate retirement from professional football,” the skilled midfielder wrote on his Twitter account along with a photograph of his time at Madrid, where he won a League, a Copa del Rey and a Spanish Super Cup. in the three seasons he played, between 2010 and 2013.
“I have had the privilege of being a professional soccer player for almost 17 years and am incredibly grateful for the opportunity. But in recent weeks and months, having also suffered a few injuries, it has become increasingly clear to me that it is time to leave the game. great football stage”, continues his message.
Özil was international with Germany in 92 games in which he scored a total of 23 goals. With the Mannschaft he was world champion in 2014, in Brazil, and participated in two other World Cups (2010 and 2018), as well as two Euro Cups (2012 and 2016). “It has been an incredible journey full of unforgettable moments and emotions,” he explains.
The Gelsenkirchen-born man thanks all the clubs in his career and his coaches for their support, “as well as teammates who have become friends.” “A special thank you must go to my closest friends and family members. They have been a part of my journey from day one and have given me so much love and support, through good times and bad,” he adds.
“Thank you to all my fans who have shown me so much love no matter what the circumstances and no matter what club I represented. I now look forward to everything that lies ahead 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 networks”, concludes Özil.
