March 22, (THEWILL) – The English Premier League, World Football governing body, FIFA, Real Madrid, Arsenal, Kevin De Bruyne, Yannick Bolasie and Santi Carzola, all took to social media to pay tribute to Mesut Ozil after he announced his retirement from football on Wednesday, via his Twitter handle.
The 34-year-old, who had spent the past three years in the Turkish Super Lig, retired after making just four appearances for Basaksehir. He explained that he took the decision because of the recent injuries he has suffered.
Ozil is a former Germany international, who played for clubs such as Schalke 04, Werder Bremen, Real Madrid, Arsenal, and Fenerbahce. He won several titles including the La Liga, the DFB-Pokal, the FA Cup, and the Community Shield. Ozil has also been awarded several individual awards such as the German Footballer of the Year, while being included in the UEFA Team of the Year and the FIFA World Cup Dream Team.
Ozil is known for his creativity, vision, and passing ability. He has been praised for his technical skills and his ability to read the game. More tributes poured in when news of his retirement broke. The EPL tweeted: “Wishing you a happy and healthy retirement, Mesut!” FIFA did the same: “Wishing you all the best for the future, Mesut.” Real Madrid posted: “Good luck, dear Mesut, to you and your family.” Arsenal followed that with: “Thanks for the memories – wishing you all the best in your retirement, Mesut.”
De Bruyne posted: “legend” while Bolasie noted: “What a magician…congrats on a great career, a pleasure to play against you and to watch you ball out for Arsenal. the vision was different.” Carzola, who played with Ozil at Arsenal, posted: “What an incredible player, and what a great honor it has been to play alongside you my friend, I wish you all the best in the future and congratulations on your spectacular career. Football will miss you.”
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
