Mesut Ozil is ready to quit football, according to reports.
The former Arsenal playmaker is set to end his career after a spell in Turkey, where he is set to have his second club contract mutually terminated.
Getty
Ozil is set to see his contract terminated in Turkey at a second consecutive club
Ozil currently plays for Istanbul Basaksehir, having only joined them in the summer of 2022.
The 34-year-old has signed a one-year deal with the club, with an option for a further year, after agreeing to tear up his contract at Super Lig rivals Fenerbahce.
Ozil had joined Fenerbahçe in January 2021 after his contract at Arsenal was also terminated six months earlier but, after initial fanfare, things turned sour for the ex-Germany international and he left after his first full season.
He made just seven appearances for Basaksehir but is now set to leave that club too, with the 2014 World Cup winner now set to hang up his boots.
This is according to the Turkish sports journalist Yakup Cinarwhich says that Ozil told his teammates that he decided to walk away from the game.
Ozil played in Basaksehir’s 1-0 loss to Kayserispor on Thursday but did not show up for training on Friday morning, saying he wanted the club to break their deal.
Getty
Ozil left Fenerbahçe by mutual consent with two years remaining on his contract
“Mesut Ozil’s contract is terminated – he has decided to quit football,” Cinar, who writes for Turkish sports newspaper Fanatik, said on Twitter on Friday.
“Ozil, who was in the first 45 minutes of the Kayserispor game yesterday, did not go to Basaksehir training this morning and told his teammates that he had decided to quit football.”
These reports follow comments made by Ozil’s agent in 2022, where he admitted to having could see the midfielder hanging up his boots soon to focus on his eSports teams and interests outside of football.
“He will go into eSports more, play himself and maybe become an eSports athlete,” Ozil representative Dr. Erkut Sogut said.
“He’s really good, to be honest, at Fortnite and I think one day I wouldn’t be surprised if he was competing.”
Sogut also claimed in the same interview that Fenebahce would be his last club, before his contract was terminated, so it’s no surprise he’s finally ready to call it a day later.
Getty
Ozil won the World Cup with Germany in 2014, but his international career also ended prematurely.
Ozil’s retirement to relative obscurity in Turkey and his possible transition to a professional playing career would complete a fall from grace.
The midfielder was considered one of the best creative players of his generation as he won a host of trophies at Real Madrid and Arsenal, as well as the World Cup with Germany.
But he tended to cut ties wherever he went.
He left Real after winning a LaLiga title and two Spanish Cups to join the Gunners in 2013, with Ozil winning four FA Cups in north London.
Getty
Ozil’s career at Arsenal was a huge success under Arsene Wenger
Getty Images – Getty
But his Gunners career ended under a dark cloud after a dip in form and a falling out with Arteta
The midfielder was one of Arsenal’s most popular players, but a breakup with manager Mikel Arteta saw his contract terminated after months of behind-the-scenes turmoil, and the player was shipped off to Turkey.
His move to the Super Lig didn’t work out, with two contracts terminated, an example of how the once-famous star has seen his career on a constant slide.
If the reports are correct, that means Ozil would hang up his boots with a record 645 club appearances, scoring 114 goals and providing 221 assists.
But his career is likely to be remembered as much for his multiple falls as his magic with the ball at his feet.
talkSPORT BET DEAL OF THE DAY
Get up to €40 free bets* – CLAIM HERE
18+ New customers only. Sign up, bet up to £40 (min. £20) on selected events at odds of 2.00+, in 7 days. Get up to €40 free bets on selected events. Bonuses expire in 7 days. Card payments only. Terms and conditions apply, see below. begambleaware.org | Please play responsibly
SEE ALL FREE BETS HERE
