Ozil retires
Ozil said he has struggled with injury for months, and it is time for him to end his peak career. He feels proud to have been a professional player for nearly 17 years. "After careful consideration, I announce my decision to retire right now," he wrote on social media accounts.
Ozil also thanked the six professional clubs that recruited him, including Schalke, Werder Bremen, Real Madrid, Arsenal, Fenerbahce and Basaksehir in chronological order. "The journey has been wonderful and full of unforgettable moments and emotions," he added.
Ozil also thanked the coaches, teammates, family, close friends and fans for accompanying him in his career. The 35-year-old midfielder did not mention the future of football. "Right now I'm with my beautiful wife Amine, and our two daughters Eda and Ela, looking forward to what happens next. But I'm sure you'll continue to hear from me on social media accounts. ".
Ozil played the last game on February 2, when he played the first 45 minutes of Basaksehir's 0-1 loss to host Kayserispor in round 22 of the Turkish Championship (Super Lig). He joined Basaksehir in July 2022 on a free form, but played only seven games for this club, not scoring a single goal.
Ozil's last goal was a penalty kick to make Fenerbahce 2-0 in a 5-2 victory over home host Alanyaspor in round 29 of the Super Lig on March 13, 2022. He has been playing for Fenerbahce since January 2021 after terminating his contract with Arsenal.
The peak of Ozil's career was when he played for Real Madrid in 2010-2013 and Arsenal 2013-2020. He won a total of eight titles with these two teams, despite not having the Champions League. The Turkish-German midfielder was selected in the UEFA Team of the Year in 2012 and 2013, outstanding in his ability to assist. Coach Jose Mourinho once commented that Ozil in September 2013 was "the best and unique number 10 midfielder in the world, there is no copy like him".
Ozil was an important factor in helping Germany win the 2014 World Cup. He was selected as the best German player five times, between 2011 and 2016. Ozil left Germany in July 2018 after the team stopped in the group stage of the World Cup.
Ozil was born on October 15, 1988 in the city of Gelsenkirchen, Germany, to Turkish parents. He ended his professional career with 689 matches, scoring 121 goals, winning 10 titles.
