<p>Former Germany World Cup winner Mesut Ozil has called time on his illustrious football career as he hangs his boots at the age of 34. Ozil, part of the German side that beat Argentina and Brazil on their way to the World cup glory retired with 92 caps for the national side while İstanbul Başakşehir turned out to be his last club. Ozil started his career at German side Schalke while he would later star for Real Madrid before switching to Premier League outfit Arsenal in 2013.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Having played just 187 minutes of football this term, Ozil’s decision did not come as a surprise to many. He had switched alliances from Fenerbahce to Başakşehir in 2022 but was largely troubled by injuries.</p>

<h3>Ozil’s goodbye message on Instagram</h3>

<p>“Hello everyone, After thoughtful consideration, l'm announcing my immediate retirement from professional football.</p>

<p>“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.</p>

<p>“It has been an amazing journey filled with unforgettable moments and emotions. I want to thank my clubs - Schalke, Werder Bremen, Real Madrid, Arsenal, Fenerbahce, Basaksehir and the coaches who supported me, plus team-mates who have become friends.</p>

<p>“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.</p>

<p>“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.</p>

<p>“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 vou will hear from me from time to time on my social media channels</p>

<p>“See you soon, Mesut!”</p>

<h3>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/this-is-a-proper-statement-r-ashwin-lauds-hardik-pandya-for-his-remark-on-test-return-during-wtc-final-574660">This is a proper statement: R Ashwin lauds Hardik Pandya for his remark on Test return during WTC final</a></h3>

<h3>Ozil’s illustrious career</h3>

<p>Ozil was also a serial winner at the club level having won the La Liga and Copa del Rey with Real Madrid while also winning the FA Cup with Arsenal on three occasions. He was shifted out of the Arsenal side and joined hands with his native origin land Turkey where he played for Fenerbahce. With 23 goals for Germany, he was one of the best number 10 players the country has ever produced.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>You can <strong>now write for wionews.com</strong> and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.</strong></p>


Former Germany World Cup winner Mesut Ozil has called time on his illustrious football career as he hangs his boots at the age of 34. Ozil, part of the German side that beat Argentina and Brazil on their way to the World cup glory retired with 92 caps for the national side while İstanbul Başakşehir turned out to be his last club.

Former Germany World Cup winner Mesut Ozil has called time on his illustrious football career as he hangs his boots at the age of 34. Ozil, part of the German side that beat Argentina and Brazil on their way to the World cup glory retired with 92 caps for the national side while İstanbul Başakşehir turned out to be his last club. Ozil started his career at German side Schalke while he would later star for Real Madrid before switching to Premier League outfit Arsenal in 2013. Having played just 187 minutes of football this term, Ozil’s decision did not come as a surprise to many. He had switched alliances from Fenerbahce to Başakşehir in 2022 but was largely troubled by injuries. Ozil’s goodbye message on Instagram “Hello everyone, After thoughtful consideration, l'm announcing 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, 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, Fenerbahce, Basaksehir 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 vou will hear from me from time to time on my social media channels “See you soon, Mesut!” ALSO READ | This is a proper statement: R Ashwin lauds Hardik Pandya for his remark on Test return during WTC final Ozil’s illustrious career Ozil was also a serial winner at the club level having won the La Liga and Copa del Rey with Real Madrid while also winning the FA Cup with Arsenal on three occasions. He was shifted out of the Arsenal side and joined hands with his native origin land Turkey where he played for Fenerbahce. With 23 goals for Germany, he was one of the best number 10 players the country has ever produced. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Former German World Cup winner Mesut Ozil calls time on illustrious career, hangs boots at 34

<p><strong>Arsenal playmaker Mesut Ozil </strong>was left out from<strong> club's 25-man Premier League squad </strong>for the first half of the 2020/21 season. Despite that, the German player has been active on social media supporting his club, fans and other players.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/barcelona-star-antoine-griezmann-says-ending-huawei-contract-over-uighurs-claims-348911" hreflang="en">Barcelona star Antoine Griezmann says ending Huawei contract over Uighurs claims</a></p>

<p><strong>Mikel Arteta's Arsenal</strong> has been struggling in the league this season due to which the many fans have backed the Gunner. '#FreeOzil' trended on social media. Recently, the German showed his thanks for those supporting him on Twitter on Monday.</p>

<p>He captioned a photo of him in front of fans at the Emirates: “The feeling of having fans behind you… #grateful #bestfans #hardtimes.”</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">The feeling of having fans behind you... <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/grateful?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#grateful</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/bestfans?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#bestfans</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/hardtimes?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#hardtimes</a> <a href="https://t.co/rog9Rvf7Yk">pic.twitter.com/rog9Rvf7Yk</a></p>
— Mesut Özil (@MesutOzil1088) <a href="https://twitter.com/MesutOzil1088/status/1335978897092042756?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 7, 2020</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>This post did not go down well with Piers Morgan, who himself is an<strong> Arsenal fan</strong>. He took to Twitter and said: “Real <strong>Arsenal fan</strong>s aren’t behind you. You’re our Paul Pogba – massively overpaid, massively under-performing &amp; shockingly overinflated sense of your own importance. #truth.”</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Real Arsenal fans aren’t behind you. You’re our Paul Pogba - massively overpaid, massively under-performing, &amp; shockingly overinflated sense of your own importance. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/truth?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#truth</a> <a href="https://t.co/4wVP6ksU1Q">https://t.co/4wVP6ksU1Q</a></p>
— Piers Morgan (@piersmorgan) <a href="https://twitter.com/piersmorgan/status/1336038151870181376?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 7, 2020</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>Arsenal has been paying a whopping £350,000-per-week to Mesut Ozil amid his poor form and pandemic.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Ozil hit back at Morgan and replied: “Piers, buddy, are you still bitter from the other day? It seems like you’re not a big fan of World Champions.</p>

<p>“I wish you would see as good as you hear things.”</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Piers, buddy, are you still bitter from the other day?😂It seems like you're not a big fan of World Champions 🇩🇪🇫🇷🏆 I wish you would see as good as you hear things ☎️👂 <a href="https://t.co/oIka73MdfK">https://t.co/oIka73MdfK</a></p>
— Mesut Özil (@MesutOzil1088) <a href="https://twitter.com/MesutOzil1088/status/1336065589538934788?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 7, 2020</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


Arsenal playmaker Mesut Ozil was left out from club's 25-man Premier League squad for the first half of the 2020/21 season. Despite that, the German player has been active on social media supporting his club, fans and other players.

Arsenal playmaker Mesut Ozil was left out from club's 25-man Premier League squad for the first half of the 2020/21 season. Despite that, the German player has been active on social media supporting his club, fans and other players. Also read: Barcelona star Antoine Griezmann says ending Huawei contract over Uighurs claims Mikel Arteta's Arsenal has been struggling in the league this season due to which the many fans have backed the Gunner. '#FreeOzil' trended on social media. Recently, the German showed his thanks for those supporting him on Twitter on Monday. He captioned a photo of him in front of fans at the Emirates: “The feeling of having fans behind you… #grateful #bestfans #hardtimes.” The feeling of having fans behind you... #grateful #bestfans #hardtimes pic.twitter.com/rog9Rvf7Yk — Mesut Özil (@MesutOzil1088) December 7, 2020 × This post did not go down well with Piers Morgan, who himself is an Arsenal fan. He took to Twitter and said: “Real Arsenal fans aren’t behind you. You’re our Paul Pogba – massively overpaid, massively under-performing & shockingly overinflated sense of your own importance. #truth.” Real Arsenal fans aren’t behind you. You’re our Paul Pogba - massively overpaid, massively under-performing, & shockingly overinflated sense of your own importance. #truth https://t.co/4wVP6ksU1Q — Piers Morgan (@piersmorgan) December 7, 2020 × Arsenal has been paying a whopping £350,000-per-week to Mesut Ozil amid his poor form and pandemic. Ozil hit back at Morgan and replied: “Piers, buddy, are you still bitter from the other day? It seems like you’re not a big fan of World Champions. “I wish you would see as good as you hear things.” Piers, buddy, are you still bitter from the other day?😂It seems like you're not a big fan of World Champions 🇩🇪🇫🇷🏆 I wish you would see as good as you hear things ☎️👂 https://t.co/oIka73MdfK — Mesut Özil (@MesutOzil1088) December 7, 2020 ×

'You’re our Paul Pogba': Arsenal fan Piers Morgan gets involved in war of words with Mesut Ozil

<p>Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is "hurt" by midfielder Mesut Ozil's situation at the club and is facing questions about the German midfielder after every defeat.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/its-madness-lionel-messi-on-being-blamed-for-all-problems-at-barcelona-344083" hreflang="en">'It's madness': Lionel Messi on being blamed for all problems at Barcelona</a></p>

<p>The 32-year-old midfielder is under the contract for the Gunners which will expire until June 2021. Ozil earns 350,000 pounds ($452,830) per week but has not played for Arteta’s side this season after being left out of the 25-man Premier League and Europa League squad.</p>

<p>Last time Mesut Ozil donned the Arsenal jersey was back in March. "I'm hurt because I don't like any player in my squad not to have the possibility to participate, or to compete, for me it is really sad because I don't think anybody deserves that," Arteta said in an interview with beIN SPORTS.</p>

<p>"But at the end of the day I'm sitting here to make decisions, to make the decisions that, in my opinion, are the best for the football club. And this is what I have to do," the Spaniard added.</p>

<p>Ozil's high-profile absence continues to be a major talking point around the club and Arteta said he was resigned to having to deal with the issue.</p>

<p>"The moment that you lose football matches his name is going to come up and when you win, it won’t," he said.</p>

<p>Asked whether he could find his way back into the team, Arteta said: “Well everybody can and I think since I arrived here you see where some players have started and where they are right now, their careers are completely changed and they have earned that right. We gave them the opportunities and they took them.</p>

<p>"With Mesut at the moment, with the squad list, obviously he cannot be involved. I try to be as clear as possible with him and with all the media and fans because they deserve to know the reasons why and some people will understand and other people won't understand it because of what he’s done for the club," he added.</p>

<p><em>(Inputs from Reuters)</em></p>


Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is "hurt" by midfielder Mesut Ozil's situation at the club and is facing questions about the German midfielder after every defeat. Also read: 'It's madness': Lionel Messi on being blamed for all problems at Barcelona The 32-year-old midfielder is under the contract for the Gunners which will expire until June 2021.

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is "hurt" by midfielder Mesut Ozil's situation at the club and is facing questions about the German midfielder after every defeat. Also read: 'It's madness': Lionel Messi on being blamed for all problems at Barcelona The 32-year-old midfielder is under the contract for the Gunners which will expire until June 2021. Ozil earns 350,000 pounds ($452,830) per week but has not played for Arteta’s side this season after being left out of the 25-man Premier League and Europa League squad. Last time Mesut Ozil donned the Arsenal jersey was back in March. "I'm hurt because I don't like any player in my squad not to have the possibility to participate, or to compete, for me it is really sad because I don't think anybody deserves that," Arteta said in an interview with beIN SPORTS. "But at the end of the day I'm sitting here to make decisions, to make the decisions that, in my opinion, are the best for the football club. And this is what I have to do," the Spaniard added. Ozil's high-profile absence continues to be a major talking point around the club and Arteta said he was resigned to having to deal with the issue. "The moment that you lose football matches his name is going to come up and when you win, it won’t," he said. Asked whether he could find his way back into the team, Arteta said: “Well everybody can and I think since I arrived here you see where some players have started and where they are right now, their careers are completely changed and they have earned that right. We gave them the opportunities and they took them. "With Mesut at the moment, with the squad list, obviously he cannot be involved. I try to be as clear as possible with him and with all the media and fans because they deserve to know the reasons why and some people will understand and other people won't understand it because of what he’s done for the club," he added. (Inputs from Reuters)

'I'm hurt': Mikel Arteta on Mesut Ozil's situation in Arsenal

<p>Midfielder Mesut Ozil has not only been left out of Arsenal’s <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/premier-league">Premier League 2020-21</a> squad but also from their Europa League plans for the season. The German international on Wednesday reacted to the glaring omission as he took to social media platforms to post a lengthy tweet accusing Arsenal of showing lack of loyalty.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Ozil, who is the highest-paid player in Arsenal’s history, might have played his last match in Arsenal colors as he has been excluded from the Premier League and Europa League squad but vowed to keep “fighting” for his chance.</p>

<p>Ozil was a regular face in Arsenal playing XI under Mikel Arteta before the last season was halted due to the COVID-19 pandemic and has failed to feature in the squad since then.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/la-liga-rolls-out-red-carpet-in-new-delhi-and-multiple-cities-around-the-world-to-celebrate-el-clasico-336891" hreflang="en">La Liga rolls out red carpet in New Delhi and multiple cities around the world to celebrate El Clasico</a></strong></p>

<p>Going by Ozil’s statement where he wrote - “I will continue to train as best as I can and wherever possible use my voice against inhumanity and for justice” – it can be said that he is being dropped due his statement on China’s policy towards its Uighur Muslim minority. Since then, China had pulled Arsenal’s Premier League matches while removing his name and character from video games. Arsenal too had distanced themselves from Ozil’s statement on Uighur Muslims.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/liverpools-van-dijk-needs-surgery-a-cruel-twist-in-a-tough-year-336409" hreflang="en">Liverpool’s Van Dijk needs surgery, a cruel twist in a tough year</a></strong></p>

<h2>Mesut Ozil’s full statement:</h2>

<p>This is a difficult message to write to the @Arsenal fans that I’ve played for over the past few years. I’m really deeply disappointed by the fact that I have not been registered for the @premierleague season for the time being. Upon signing my new contract in 2018, I pledged my loyalty and allegiance to the club that I love, Arsenal, and it saddens me that this has not been reciprocated. As I have just found out, loyalty is hard to come by nowadays. I've always tried to remain positive from week to week that there's maybe a chance to get back in the squad soon again. That's why I kept silent so far. Before the Coronavirus break I was really happy with the development under our new coach Mikel Arteta - we've been on a positive way and I would say my performances were on a really good level.</p>

<p>But then things changed, again, and I was not longer allowed to play football for Arsenal. What else can I say? London still feels like home, I still have many good friends in this team, and I still feel a strong connection with the fans of this club. No matter what, I will keep fighting for my chance and not let my 8th season at Arsenal end like this. I can promise you that this hard decision won't change anything in my mindset - I will continue to train as best as I can and wherever possible use my voice against inhumanity and for justice.</p>

<p>#M1Ö #YaGunnersYa<br />
&nbsp;</p>


Midfielder Mesut Ozil has not only been left out of Arsenal’s Premier League 2020-21 squad but also from their Europa League plans for the season. The German international on Wednesday reacted to the glaring omission as he took to social media platforms to post a lengthy tweet accusing Arsenal of showing lack of loyalty.

Midfielder Mesut Ozil has not only been left out of Arsenal’s Premier League 2020-21 squad but also from their Europa League plans for the season. The German international on Wednesday reacted to the glaring omission as he took to social media platforms to post a lengthy tweet accusing Arsenal of showing lack of loyalty. Ozil, who is the highest-paid player in Arsenal’s history, might have played his last match in Arsenal colors as he has been excluded from the Premier League and Europa League squad but vowed to keep “fighting” for his chance. Ozil was a regular face in Arsenal playing XI under Mikel Arteta before the last season was halted due to the COVID-19 pandemic and has failed to feature in the squad since then. ALSO READ: La Liga rolls out red carpet in New Delhi and multiple cities around the world to celebrate El Clasico Going by Ozil’s statement where he wrote - “I will continue to train as best as I can and wherever possible use my voice against inhumanity and for justice” – it can be said that he is being dropped due his statement on China’s policy towards its Uighur Muslim minority. Since then, China had pulled Arsenal’s Premier League matches while removing his name and character from video games. Arsenal too had distanced themselves from Ozil’s statement on Uighur Muslims. ALSO READ: Liverpool’s Van Dijk needs surgery, a cruel twist in a tough year Mesut Ozil’s full statement: This is a difficult message to write to the @Arsenal fans that I’ve played for over the past few years. I’m really deeply disappointed by the fact that I have not been registered for the @premierleague season for the time being. Upon signing my new contract in 2018, I pledged my loyalty and allegiance to the club that I love, Arsenal, and it saddens me that this has not been reciprocated. As I have just found out, loyalty is hard to come by nowadays. I've always tried to remain positive from week to week that there's maybe a chance to get back in the squad soon again. That's why I kept silent so far. Before the Coronavirus break I was really happy with the development under our new coach Mikel Arteta - we've been on a positive way and I would say my performances were on a really good level. But then things changed, again, and I was not longer allowed to play football for Arsenal. What else can I say? London still feels like home, I still have many good friends in this team, and I still feel a strong connection with the fans of this club. No matter what, I will keep fighting for my chance and not let my 8th season at Arsenal end like this. I can promise you that this hard decision won't change anything in my mindset - I will continue to train as best as I can and wherever possible use my voice against inhumanity and for justice. #M1Ö #YaGunnersYa

'Loyalty is hard to come by': Mesut Ozil reacts after being snubbed from Arsenal's Premier League squad