End of an era: Mesut Ozil bids farewell to football career and eyes new challenges

Mesut Ozil, one of the most talented and highly-regarded football players in the world, has announced his retirement from professional football.

In a statement released on his social media accounts, Ozil expressed his gratitude for the opportunities he had been given over the years and his excitement for what the future holds.

Ozil began his professional career with the German club Schalke 04, before making a name for himself with Werder Bremen and then moving to Real Madrid. During his time at Real Madrid, Ozil won numerous trophies, including the La Liga title, the Copa del Rey, and the Supercopa de España. In 2013, he signed with Arsenal, where he spent eight successful seasons and became a fan favorite.

The Turkish-German midfielder also represented the German national team, earning 92 caps and helping his team win the 2014 World Cup in Brazil. However, his international career came to an abrupt end when he was dropped from the squad in 2018, a decision which he believed was motivated by political reasons.

Despite being just 34 years old and still possessing his exceptional skills, Ozil decided to call time on his playing career, stating that it was "time to move on" and that he was "looking forward to new challenges".

News of Ozil's retirement was met with widespread sadness and well-wishes from fans and fellow football players alike. Many took to social media to express their admiration for the player and his contributions to the sport.

While it is still unclear what Ozil's next move will be, many are excited to see what the future holds for this footballing legend.

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