World Cup winner Mesut Ozil has retired from football at the age 34. 
The former Real Madrid and Arsenal midfielder has called time on his career after a brief stint with Istanbul Basaksehir, who he only joined back in July. Ozil had moved to Turkey with Fenerbahce just over two years ago following the termination of his contract at Arsenal. The midfielder retires after a career that saw him win La Liga and the Copa del Rey with Real Madrid and then move to Arsenal where he claimed the FA Cup four times. Announcing his retirement, Ozil wrote; “After thoughtful consideration, I’m announced 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, 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, Ba§akwhir 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. See you soon, Mesut!” The 92-times capped German international is best known for his time at Arsenal and Real Madrid but came through the youth ranks at Schalke before breaking onto the international stage with Werder Bremen. 
Ozil registered 54 assists across three La Liga seasons with Real Madrid, and came within one assist of Thierry Henry’s Premier League record when he set up 19 goals in the 2015-16 season. He finished his Arsenal career with 44 goals and 79 assists in 254 appearances. Ozil won the 2014 World Cup with Germany and scored in the 2010 and 2014 editions of football’s top international showcase. He claimed four FA Cups with Arsenal, the German Cup with Werder Bremen, and Copa del Rey and La Liga honors with Real.
