Mesut Ozil is reportedly set to retire from playing football and will focus more on eSports.
Mesut Ozil is reportedly ready to retire from football, according to Turkish sports journalist Yakup Cinar.
Ozil is said to have informed his teammates that he has decided to end his career, with his contract at Istanbul Basaksehir set to be terminated.
This comes after Ozil terminated his contract at Fenerbahce in January 2022, and is the second consecutive club in Turkey where his time has been cut short.
Ozil’s career started with promise, having won the World Cup with Germany in 2014, as well as a La Liga title and two Spanish Cups with Real Madrid, before moving to Arsenal in 2013.
At Arsenal, he collected four FA Cups and was regarded as one of the finest creative players of his generation.
However, a falling out with manager Mikel Arteta led to the termination of his contract and a move to Turkey, which ultimately didn’t work out.
Ozil’s agent, Dr. Erkut Sogut, stated in 2022 that the midfielder would retire from football to focus on his eSports teams and interests outside of the game. “He will go more into eSports, play himself, and maybe become an eSports athlete.
“He’s really good at Fortnite, and I think one day I wouldn’t be surprised if he is competing,” said Sogut.
If Ozil does retire, his career will come to a close with 645 club appearances, 114 goals, and 221 assists.
However, it’s likely that his career will be remembered as much for his multiple fallouts as it will be for his wizardry with the ball.
Nevertheless, Ozil’s contributions to football will always be remembered by those who witnessed his incredible talent on the pitch.