Cyprus Mail
FootballSport

Ex-Germany midfielder Ozil announces retirement

ekwhn awkaahjrf
Mesut Ozil won the World Cup with Germany in 2014

Germany’s World Cup-winning midfielder Mesut Ozil announced his retirement from football at the age of 34 on Wednesday.

The former Real Madrid and Arsenal player was a key member of Germany’s World Cup-winning side in Brazil in 2014.

He retired from the squad in 2018 amid a political debate in Germany about an influx of migrants and after backlash over a photograph taken with Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan, saying he faced “racism and disrespect” over his Turkish ancestry.

“I’ve had the privilege to be a professional football player for almost 17 years now and I feel incredibly thankful for the opportunity,” Ozil, who most recently played for Turkish side Istanbul Basaksehir, said in a statement on Instagram.

“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.”

Follow the Cyprus Mail on Google News

Related Posts

Ancelotti proud as Real dig deep for revenge in Manchester

Reuters News Service

Players need support and love after exit, says Arteta

Reuters News Service

Mouflons prepare for showdown against old rivals Malta

Press Release

Nadal’s Barcelona return ended by De Minaur

Reuters News Service

Atalanta set for biggest game in club’s history against Liverpool

Reuters News Service

West Ham’s Leverkusen challenge boosted by Bowen’s return

Reuters News Service