and have both sent messages to their former Arsenal teammate after he announced his retirement from football.
having won nine trophies at club level, while for Germany he was capped 92 times and was part of the squad that won the in 2014.
‘After thoughtful consideration, I’m announcing my immediate retirement from professional football,’ Ozil wrote in a statement.
‘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, it’s become more and more clear that it’s time to leave the big stage of football.’
Ozil won two of his four FA Cup trophies alongside Sanchez at Arsenal and the Chilean took the opportunity to pay a special tribute to his former teammate.
‘We really understood each other, my friend Mesut,’ Sanchez wrote on Instagram. ‘Wishing you the best in your next chapter.’
Saka, meanwhile, spent three years in Arsenal’s first team alongside Ozil before the World Cup winner’s contract was terminate by the Gunners in January 2021.
‘What a player! Thank you for everything bro,’ Saka said to Ozil on Instagram. ‘Enjoy your next chapter.’
In their statement to Ozil, Arsenal said: ‘Everyone at the club wishes Mesut the best in his retirement.’
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