World Cup winner Mesut Ozil announced his retirement from football on Wednesday after an illustrious international career with Germany and club spells with Real Madrid and Arsenal.
The 34-year-old helped Germany to glory in Brazil in 2014 but bitterly quit the international scene after the Germans crashed out of the 2018 tournament in Russia. "After thoughtful consideration, I'm announcing my immediate retirement from professional football," the attacking midfielder said. "I've had the privilege to be an international footballer 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, born in the German city of Gelsenkirchen but of Turkish descent, played on some of football's biggest stages but also became embroiled in international politics and accusations of racism.
When Germany were knocked out of the 2018 World Cup at the group stage, a wounded Ozil accused the German public of "racist" attacks.
His club career blossomed when his deft passing and vision helped secure his move from the Bundesliga to Jose Mourinho's Real Madrid side in 2010.