Mesut Özil retires from football
German World Cup winner Mesut Özil has decided to hang up his boots with immediate effect.
Former Germany international Mesut Özil has announced his immediate retirement from professional football.
"After thoughtful consideration, I'm announcing my immediate retirement from professional football," he wrote in a post on social media.
"I've had the privilege to be a professional football player for almost 17 years now and I feel incredibly thankful for the opportunity. But in recent weeks and months, having also suffered some injuries, its become more and more clear that its time to leave the big stage of football.
"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, Basakwhir and the coaches who supported me, plus team-mates 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. Thank you to all my fans who have shown me so much love no matter the circumstances and no matter which club I was representing.
"Now I'm looking forward to everything that is in front of me 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 media channels."
Özil, 34, made 92 appearances for Germany, scoring 23 times, and was part of the team that won the 2014 World Cup. He announced his international retirement in 2018, accusing the German Football Association of "racism and disrespect".
He played for Schalke 04, Werder Bremen, Real Madrid, Arsenal, Fenerbahce and most recently Istanbul Basaksehir.