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Mesut Ozil has confirmed he has retired from football at the age of 34 with immediate effect.
The former Arsenal midfielder and Germany international had been playing for Turkish top flight side Istanbul Basaksehir since joining in the summer but has only made seven appearances for the club following injury problems.
Back issues have largely caused the the playmaker to feature in only 142 minutes of football this term having moved from Fenerbahce following 18 months at the club.
'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 left the Gunners in January 2021 having been frozen out by current boss Mikel Arteta, but in a statement he showed no ill feeling towards his former club where he won four FA Cups after signing for £42.5million from Real Madrid to much fanfare in 2013.
'It has been an amazing journey filled with unforgettable moments and emotions,' he added.
'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, reports dailymail.
'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 you will hear from me from time to time on my social media channels.