Former Real Madrid and Arsenal midfielder Mesut Ozil has announced his retirement from professional football putting an end to his illustrious career.

The 34-year-old helped Germany win the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, but he quit the international scene after Germany was eliminated from the 2018 tournament in Russia.

“After thoughtful consideration, I’m announcing my immediate retirement from professional football,” the attacking midfielder said.

“I’ve had the privilege to be an international footballer for almost 17 years now and I feel incredibly thankful for the opportunity.

“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.”

Ozil, who was born in the German city of Gelsenkirchen but is of Turkish descent, played on some of the sport’s most prestigious stages, but also became involved in international politics and allegations of racism.

When Germany were eliminated in the group stage of the 2018 World Cup, a wounded Ozil accused the German public of “racist” attacks.

In 2010, his deft passing and vision helped secure his transfer from the Bundesliga to Jose Mourinho’s Real Madrid side, which led to a flourishing club career.

In 2012, he led La Liga in assists and helped the Spanish club win its 32nd league championship.

His hefty 2013 transfer to Arsenal helped the London club end its FA Cup drought the following season.

In 2014, Ozil started in the final as Germany defeated Lionel Messi’s Argentina 1-0 at the Maracana in Rio de Janeiro, thanks to an extra-time goal from Mario Goetze.

Ozil was repeatedly nominated for the Ballon d’Or, but his later career was marred by disputes over playing time and a close friendship with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

Erdogan was the best man at Ozil’s Istanbul wedding to former Miss Turkey and actress Amine in 2019.

During that summer’s World Cup, however, it was Ozil’s decision to be photographed with Erdogan on the eve of Turkey’s 2018 presidential election that caused the most controversy.

Following the failure of a coup attempt against his government, Erdogan then unleashed a sweeping political crackdown.

In the 2018 election campaign, Ozil’s photo with Erdogan was widely interpreted as his political endorsement of Erdogan.

Before joining Fenerbahce and, most recently, Istanbul Basaksehir, he concluded his international career.