Mesut Ozil has officially retired as a footballer. This was known on Wednesday, March 22, 2023. Following the retirement of Mesut Ozil, his two compatriots in the German national team, Antonio Rudiger and Marco Reus, sent him touching messages.
In his message, Rudiger felt honored to have had the opportunity to play with Ozil. The Real Madrid defender also hopes that Ozil can enjoy his retirement
“I will tell my children one day how incredible the golden age @m10_official (Ozil) was,” wrote Antonio Rudiger in his Instagram upload, @toniruediger, quoted Thursday (23/3/2023).
“And how special I am to share the pitch with one of the most talented players I have ever seen,” added the former Chelsea player.
“Someone who also does a lot of amazing work with less fortunate people in the world. Mesut Abi, all the best in your retirement, best health & happiness!” said Rudiger.
Marco Reus also did not want to be left behind to give his colleague a message. The Borussia Dortmund player considers that Ozil is one of the best players and congratulates him on the achievements so far.
“One of the best players I’ve ever met. Congratulations on a great career so far my friend, “wrote Reus in uploading his Instagram story, @marchinho11.
As additional information, Mesut Ozil himself spent much of his career at one of the English giants, Arsenal. Together with the Gunners (Arsenal’s nickname), Ozil has won four FA Cup trophies.
Ozil also made other high-profile achievements when he defended the German national team. He helped the German national team win the 2014 World Cup.
Here are 5 facts about Mesut Ozil retiring at the age of 34:
- The reason for Ozil’s retirement
Ozil decided to end his sweet career at the Turkish club, Istanbul Basaksehir. He chose the club as the last team he defended because Ozil actually retired because he felt that injury had disrupted his game.
“I have had the privilege of being a professional footballer for almost 17 years now and I feel immensely grateful for the opportunity. However, in recent weeks and months, after suffering from several injuries, it has become increasingly clear that it is time to leave the big stage of football. ,” Ozil said in his retirement announcement.
- Known as the Great Playmaker
Ozil can be said to be one of the best playmakers when in his prime. This can be seen from his three seasons defending Real Madrid.
During his three seasons at Madrid, Ozil scored a total of 81 assists, with a record of 28 assists in the 2010-2011 season, 28 assists in 2011-2012, 25 assists in 2012-2013. Then he became one.
- Arsenal is the club that has defended Ozil the longest
Ozil left a lot of impression during his three years in Madrid, but in fact he has defended Arsenal the longest. Ozil has been recorded as defending the Gunners from 2013 to 2021. So, for about eight years Ozil has been at the Emirates Stadium.
In total, Ozil played 252 matches for Arsenal, scoring 44 goals and 79 assists. Meanwhile, while at Madrid Ozil played 159 matches by creating 27 goals and 81 assists.
- Ever won the World Cup with Germany
Ozil became one of the players who contributed to Germany’s success in winning the 2014 World Cup. Unfortunately, Ozil’s relationship with the German national team after that did not go well.
Ozil decided to retire from the German national team after feeling that he was always to blame if Der Panzer had bad results.
- Devout Muslim Footballer
Ozil is one of the famous Muslim footballers who does not forget to pray. He is known to be very obedient. He always prays every time he wants to play and takes the time to read Al-Quran every time he is going to compete,
Ozil is also known to be outspoken in defending Muslim rights. He is also known not to drink alcohol, although of course many of his teammates drink liquor.
