Mesut Özil, a former midfielder for Germany and Arsenal, has announced his retirement from soccer at the age of 34 due to injuries. Özil, who won the World Cup in 2014 with Germany, made the announcement on his social media accounts. He expressed gratitude for the opportunity to play professionally for almost 17 years, but said that it was time to leave the big stage of football due to recent injuries.
Özil began his career at Schalke 04 before moving to Werder Bremen and then Real Madrid, where he won three Champions League titles. He then transferred to Arsenal in 2013, where he made 254 appearances and won three FA Cup titles before leaving in 2021 to play for Fenerbahce in Turkey.
Özil’s retirement has been met with tributes from former teammates and coaches, including Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta, who called him a “special player” and praised his “unforgettable moments” with the club. German Football Association president Fritz Keller also praised Özil’s contributions to the national team and said he would always be welcome back in German football.
Despite his successes on the pitch, Özil has faced controversy in recent years. He was criticized for his performances during Germany’s early exit from the 2018 World Cup and was also embroiled in a political controversy when he criticized China’s treatment of Uighur Muslims, which led to backlash from Chinese authorities and soccer fans.
Özil’s retirement marks the end of a storied career for one of soccer’s most talented playmakers. His vision, passing ability, and creativity on the field made him a fan favorite and a formidable opponent for any team. Though injuries may have forced him to retire earlier than expected, his impact on the sport will not be forgotten.