While fans were busy in the Premier League and MLS, they had no idea about the inevitable bombshell that was about to drop on them. In a decision that came as a surprise German soccer legend, Mesut Ozil has announced his retirement from professional soccer. After a decorated career for his national team, and club career, he bid adieu to the game.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
His 18-year-long career has seen him reach the height of popularity every player dreams of. Most fans and pundits still regard him in the list as one of the best playmakers the sport has ever seen. There were reports of Ozil thinking about this decision and it is finally officially announced.
Mesut Ozil announced his retirement
ESPN reported the sensational news via Twitter that the German attacking midfielder has said his farewell to the sport. He has played 427 games in his senior career and 92 for his national team. Ozil is best known for the absolute golden playmaking he showcased when he used to play for Real Madrid in their super team era. He has played with other big names in the game like Cristiano Ronaldo, Sergio Ramos, Karim Benzema, and Angel di Maria.
View this post on Instagram
Here is how fans reacted to the news.
What a sad ending anyway he was a magician in Real Madrid colours happy retirement magician my Ozil ❤️❤️🙏🙏👑👑👑👑👑
— RANA AFTAB (@JulyDecember7) March 22, 2023
He’s practically won it all. He’s had a great career
— Adam Alfi (@AdamAlfi) March 22, 2023
greatest playmaker of all time
— fan account (@Asensii20) March 22, 2023
Mesut Özil career by numbers:
695 apps
114 goals
220 assists
1287 chances created – MOST EVER
For country:
92 apps
23 goals
40 assists
Combined, he has 397 goals + assists over his career, the most of any other attacking midfielder since 1994.pic.twitter.com/cf4TqJCsFQ— lina (@luxlina_) March 22, 2023
Amongst the greatest playmakers of all time… pic.twitter.com/8MTnAQQYkY
— Splashy💧🌟 (@FearSplashy) March 22, 2023
Streets won’t forget the man ever pic.twitter.com/Q83UzQJOhb
— Keav Theo (@keavtheo) March 22, 2023
Great footballer and an even greater human being. He was given an undeserved end for standing with what he believed.
— Nisar Biswas (@nishar_biswas) March 22, 2023
What a player he was in his prime!
— ÁlvaroPROP (@denilend8) March 22, 2023
Mesut Ozil is criminally underrated
— Niyi Sharp 🇨🇦🇺🇸 (@niyi_Sharp__) March 22, 2023
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Fans will take a long time coping with the fact that Ozil will no longer be a part of the game. His time with Real Madrid and Arsenal provided fans with spellbinding performances. Soccer fans are in shock at this sudden decision. Many would have loved to see him play in Saudi Arabia, along or against his former teammate Ronaldo.
Ozil asked about Cristiano Ronaldo
Great players don’t only have extraordinary skills but also the mindset of being great. Players like Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Cristiano Ronaldo, and Mesut Ozil are cut from the same cloth. Last month a fan asked Ozil how he felt playing alongside Cristiano Ronaldo in Real Madrid. It would be an understatement to say they weren’t ready for the response.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Watch This Story: From Philippe Coutinho to Eden Hazard: Biggest Transfers of the 21st Century
Fans imploded as Ozil fired a dagger of response saying, “ask him instead, he played with me.” What are your views on this sudden step by German legend? Drop your views in the comments.