Former Arsenal and superstar has confirmed his retirement from professional football.
The 34-year-old left the north London club just over two years ago in acrimonious circumstances following the deterioration in his relationship with Mikel Arteta.
Ozil had hoped to revive his career in Turkey but a move to Fenerbahce, after a bright start, ended in equally bitter circumstances while injuries prevented him from making a telling impact at Istanbul Basaksehir.
Confirming his retirement on Instagram, Ozil wrote: ‘Hello everyone, after thoughtful consideration, I’m announcing my immediate retirement from professional football.
‘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.
‘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, Basaksehir 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 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.’
Regarded, at his peak, as one of the most gifted playmakers of his generation, Ozil shot to stardom in the Bundesliga with first Schalke before a move to Werder Bremen.
Ozil enhanced his burgeoning reputation at the 2010 World Cup and a transfer to Real followed after Jose Mourinho’s personal intervention saw the Spanish giants pip Arsenal to his signature.
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After three successful years in Spain, Arsene Wenger finally got his man when Ozil was deemed surplus to requirements by Carlo Ancelotti following the arrival of Gareth Bale from Tottenham at the Bernabeu.
Ozil proved a divisive figure during his time in England, winning the FA Cup on three occasions with Arsenal but failing to get them over the line in the Premier League.
At international level, he was an equally contentious figure, helping Germany win the World Cup in 2014, only to be scapegoated after their miserable group stage exit four years later in Russia that prompted him to turn his back on his country.
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