The former German national soccer player Mesut Özil (34) has announced his “immediate end of career”. In a statement, Özil thanked the fans, among other things, and explained that the time had come for him to say goodbye. There had already been rumors in February that the football professional would stop.
“Hello everyone, after careful consideration, I hereby announce the immediate end of my career in professional football,” writes Özil in an Instagram post. “I’ve had the privilege of being a professional soccer player for almost 17 years now and I’m incredibly grateful for this opportunity. But over the past few weeks and months, which have also included a number of injuries, it’s become increasingly clear that the time is… to leave the big stage of football.”
Özil further explains that he has had an “incredible journey, filled with unforgettable moments and emotions”. At the same time, the 34-year-old thanks his former clubs, his coaches and the teammates who have become friends for him. In the Bundesliga, Özil, who became world champion with the national team in Brazil in 2014, played for FC Schalke 04 and for Werder Bremen. This was followed by positions at Real Madrid, Arsenal FC, Fenerbahce Istanbul and Basaksehir.
In particular, Özil would like to thank his family and close friends: “They were part of my journey from day one and gave me so much love and support in good and bad times.” He also thanks his fans, who always showed him love, no matter which club he played for.
He has not yet announced exactly how things will continue for Özil. However, he is looking forward to everything that is to come together “with my beautiful wife, Amine, and my beautiful daughters, Eda and Ela”. He wants to keep his fans up to date on social media from time to time.
Mesut Özil and his wife Amine (29) have been married since 2019. Her daughter Eda was born in 2020, and at the end of 2022 the ex-soccer player was able to announce the birth of his second daughter Ela.
