Former Germany and Arsenal Playmaker, Mesut Ozil have announced his retirement from professional football.

The 34-year-old Turkish-born maestro, who also starred for Real Madrid admits ‘it’s time to leave the big stage’ after struggles in Turkey.

Ozil made this announcement via his social media pages. He had been playing for Turkish top-flight side Istanbul Basaksehir in the summer but has only made eight appearances for the club this season following a series of injury problems.

‘Hello everyone, After thoughtful consideration, I’m announcing my immediate retirement from professional football’. He wrote on Instagram.

‘I’ve had the privilege to be a professional football player 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’. He continued.

‘It has been an amazing journey filled with unforgettable moments and emotions. I want to thank my clubs – Schalke 04, Werder Bremen, Real Madrid, Arsenal FC, Fenerbahçe, Basaksehir and the coaches who supported me, plus team-mates who have become friends’. He concluded.

Mesut Ozil was the star of the show at the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa. He was also an integral part of the German side that lifted the world cup in 2014.