Former Arsenal midfielder Mesut Özil retires at 34

Former Arsenal midfielder Mesut Özil retires at 34

Mesut Özil, the former German midfielder who lifted the World Cup in 2014, has announced his retirement from professional soccer at the age of 34. Özil cited injuries as a significant factor in his decision to leave the sport, saying that it had become increasingly apparent to him in recent weeks and months that it was time to step away from the big stage. His premature retirement means that his season with Turkish club Istanbul Basaksehir will come to an early end, having made only seven appearances for the team.

Özil enjoyed a decorated career, winning the Spanish league title with Real Madrid in 2012 and the FA Cup four times with Arsenal. However, his international career came to an abrupt end in 2018 when he quit the German squad, citing "racism and disrespect." Özil faced anti-Turkish comments from German politicians and abuse from some fans due to his Turkish heritage, following criticism of his decision to pose for a picture with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan in the run-up to the 2018 World Cup.

Özil began his career in Germany with hometown club Schalke before a successful spell at Werder Bremen earned him a place on the German national team. After standout performances at the 2010 World Cup, he moved to Madrid before spending eight years with Arsenal. Özil's relationship with Arsenal broke down in 2021, and he subsequently moved to Turkish club Fenerbahce. The club distanced itself from him after he posted his support for Muslims in the Xinjiang province of China, a move that led to an Arsenal game being pulled from Chinese television.