Mesut Ozil has called time on his football career at the age of 34. The former German international made the announcement on social media stating that he made the decision after careful consideration following recent injury problems.

“After thoughtful consideration, I'm announcing my immediate retirement from professional football,” Ozil wrote on Twitter. “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, Werder Bremen, Real Madrid, Arsenal FC, Fenerbahçe, Basaksehir and the coaches who supported me, plus teammates 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.”

Here is how social media reacted and paid tribute to Ozil following his retirement:

Article Continues Below
More Soccer News
Al Nassr player Cristiano Ronaldo reacts after being substituted in a Saudi Pro League soccer match at King Abdullah Sports City.
Cristiano Ronaldo drops honest Lamine Yamal assessment ahead of first meetingQuinn Allen ·
Grizzlies forward Santi Aldama, UD Las Palmas soccer club logo, McDonald's box
Exclusive: Grizzlies’ Santi Aldama’s ‘cheat day’ plans based around UD Las Palmas soccerChris Dodson ·
FC 25 Season 8 Release Date
FC 25 Season 8 Release DateMassimo Marchiano ·
FC 25 Season Finale Update Patch Improves Passing & More
FC 25 Season Finale Update 15 Patch Improves Passing & MoreMassimo Marchiano ·
Retired NFL player Peyton Manning stands on the sidelines of Empower Field at Mile High before the game between the Carolina Panthers Denver Broncos.
Peyton Manning makes major NWSL Denver expansion announcementErin Achenbach ·
A general overall view of Parc des Princes. The stadium is the home of Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) and a soccer venue for the 2024 Paris Olympics. PSG UCL celebration death
2 dead, police officer in coma after mass PSG UCL title celebrationsOwen Crisafulli ·

Ozil, regarded by many to be the among the greatest playmakers of all time, first made waves during his spells with Bundesliga clubs Schalke and Werder Bremen.

His performances saw him called up to the German national team in the 2010 World Cup where he really announced himself to the masses with his impressive performances in a campaign that saw his nation finish third.

That was enough to earn him a move to Jose Mourinho's Real Madrid where he would go on to win a La Liga and Copa del Rey title over the course of three seasons.

Following the signing of Gareth Bale, Ozil made a blockbuster summer move to Arsenal in 2013 and helped the Gunners end their trophy drought by winning the FA Cup four times in 2014, 2015, 2017, and 2020. During this period, he also won the World Cup with Germany in 2014, playing 120 minutes in the final.

He would retire from international football in 2018 after alleged claims of racist treatment and disrespect from the German football federation. As his performances deteriorated at club level, the 34-year-old would eventually get frozen out by Arsenal before his departure in 2021.

Ozil played played two seasons with Fenerbahce before making just four league appearances for Basaksehir this season.