Mesut Ozil was one of the best players on the planet during his prime. Real Madrid fans will always remember his creative genius, especially his near telepathic connection with Cristiano Ronaldo. The German midfield maestro was brilliant for many years at Arsenal as well, but has struggled for a while now.
Ozil might have had a good run at Arsenal but eventually, he did lose his place in the team and his importance diminished significantly.
He would leave Arsenal in order to join Fenerbahce a few years back, and there, he was decent at best. Last summer, Ozil joined Istanbul Basaksehir but he has had a difficult time there, yet to score or assist for them, as he has struggled with injuries. And now, it looks like he has decided to call time on his career.
As tweeted out by Yakup Cinar, Ozil’s contract is being terminated and he has decided to quit football.
Real Madrid hero has decided to quit football
It looks like Ozil did not go to Istanbul Basaksehir training in the morning and has informed his teammates that he has decided to quit football.
If this is indeed how Ozil’s career comes to a close, then it would be a very sad ending for a player, who was clearly one of the best playmakers in the world when he was at his best.
Ozil was one of the key players, who helped transform Real Madrid back into a powerhouse in Europe, after a period of time in which they had struggled to get past the last 16 stage in the UEFA Champions League for six straight years.
According to stats from Transfermarkt, Ozil made 159 appearances for Real Madrid, scoring 27 goals and provided 81 assists.
And while his time at Real Madrid was not the longest, there is no doubt that he left his mark at the club.
We can only wish him the best in whatever it is that he decides to do next. Thank you for everything, Mesut.