Mesut Ozil
2014 World Cup winner German footballer Mesut Ozil retires at 34
Former Germany midfielder Mesut zil, who won the World Cup in 2014, retired from soccer on Wednesday at the age of 34. zil said injuries played a role in his decision. "I've had the privilege to be a professional football player for almost 17 years now and I feel incredibly thankful for the opportunity," zil wrote on social media. "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." His immediate retirement brings an early end to his season with Turkish club Istanbul Basaksehir, where he made only seven appearances for the team. zil won the Spanish league title with Real Madrid in 2012 and the FA Cup four times with Arsenal. His international career ended abruptly in 2018 when he quit the Germany squad citing "racism and disrespect." That followed anti-Turkish comments from German politicians and abuse from some fans toward zil, who has Turkish heritage, amid criticism of his decis
 "2014 World Cup winner German footballer Mesut Ozil retires at 34")
Mesut Ozil says he leaves Arsenal for Fenerbahce with no grudges
Mesut Ozil has thanked Arsenal for an amazing journey after his departure to Fenerbahce was confirmed, saying he goes with no grudges despite not playing for nearly a year.
 "Mesut Ozil says he leaves Arsenal for Fenerbahce with no grudges")
Arsenal's 'Pundit' thinks back
The manager's contribution to modern European football becomes apparent in his autobiography
 "Arsenal's 'Pundit' thinks back")
Arsenal's new coach Arteta aims to solve Ozil issue as Chelsea clash looms
Ozil has become a polarising figure at Arsenal after several seasons of lacklustre performances from the German playmaker
Sports and politics
Sportspeople should be free to exercise their views
The price of speaking their mind is particularly high for sportspersons
Mesut Ozil with Turkish roots, chose to condemn the Chinese government's treatment of Uighur Muslims in the country's Xinjiang province
Nativist politics forces Mesut Ozil out of the German football team
Dhruv Munjal on why Germany - and the world - are poorer for it
 "Nativist politics forces Mesut Ozil out of the German football team")
Mesut Ozil resigns: Has racism got better of Germany's integrity yet again?
The DFB said they regretted Ozil's decision to quit international football, but firmly rejected his accusations
 "Mesut Ozil resigns: Has racism got better of Germany's integrity yet again?")
