The German was playing for Istanbul Basaksehir and has announced that he is hanging up his boots after more than 600 professional games.
Surprise news in international soccer. Mesut Özil, one of the best midfielders of this century, has announced that he is retiring from professional football. The German player, who played for such important teams as Real Madrid and Arsenal, was playing in Turkey when he made the decision to quit.
The latest adventure of the talented German player has taken place in Istanbul Basaksehir, club with which he has reached an agreement to terminate his contract. Özil, who accumulated in his career more than 600 professional matches, had not been able to reach again the level he displayed in his best period in the Premier League and, above all, in Real Madrid, where he became one of the best players in the world.
The German footballer announced the news through his social networks with an emotional message: “I have had the privilege of being a professional soccer player for almost 17 years and I feel incredibly grateful for the opportunity. But in recent weeks and months, after suffering a few injuries, it has become increasingly clear that it is time to leave the great stage of soccer.”
“It has been an incredible journey full of unforgettable moments and emotions. I would like to thank my clubs – Schalke 04, Werder Bremen, Real Madrid, Arsenal FC, Fenerbahçe, Basaksehir and the coaches who supported me, as well as teammates who have become friends. A special thanks to my family members and my closest friends. They have been part of my journey since day one and have given me a lot of love and support, through good times and bad.”
“Thank you to all my fans who have shown me so much love no matter the circumstances and no matter what club I was representing. I now look forward to everything in front of me with my beautiful wife, Amine, and my two beautiful daughters, Eda and Ela, but you can be sure you will hear from me from time to time on my social media channels. Thank you.”
Thank you ❤️ pic.twitter.com/Aqr4pB5SI2
— Mesut Özil (@M10) March 22, 2023
A legendary career
Mesut Özil is leaving professional soccer after more than three decades of playing at the highest level. From the time he stood out in teams like Schalke 04 or Werder Bremen in the Euroleague until he touched the sky defending the colors of Real Madrid. That signing was a dream come true for him and marked his career in a transcendental way. Surely, the most important moment of his career along with winning the World Cup with the German national team in 2014.
After playing his last game as a professional this Tuesday with Istanbul Basaksehir, he announces his farewell to professional soccer after having had a career ending far from the elite, also passing through clubs such as Fenerbahçe. During his career he played 92 games for the German national team, 254 games for Arsenal and 159 games for Real Madrid in his two most important periods.
With the white team he won a League and a Copa del Rey, in England he lifted 4 FA Cups and in Germany a national Cup. In addition, he leaves with 114 goals and as one of the best assistants of the last decades with more than 200 assists. A spectacular career of a player with a special talent and technique.