Germany's Mesut Ozil announced his retirement from international football Sunday at the age of 29, citing racism and lashing out at the president of the German football federation.

Mesut Ozil moved to Turkey in January 2021 but it now seems like forever since he left Arsenal. After eight colourful years at the Emirates, Ozil made the decision to join Fenerbahce knowing his time with the Gunners was up. His contract was terminated by mutual consent with the player reportedly forgoing part of the £7m owed to him.

Mesut Ozil announced his retirement from professional soccer on Wednesday with an emotional message via social media. The 34-year-old notably played for Arsenal and Real Madrid and won the FIFA 2014 World Cup with Germany during his storied career.

Germany’s football World Cup-winning midfielder Mesut Ozil has announced his retirement at the age of 34. The former Real Madrid and Arsenal footballer was a member of Germany’s World Cup-winning side in Brazil 2014.

The playmaker finally sealed his emancipation when his contract was terminated and he now heads to Fenerbahce to revive his career. Ozil last featured for the Gunners in March 2020, with Mikel Arteta declining to include him in his Premier League and Europa League squads at all this season.