Mesut Ozil has confirmed he has retired from football at the age of 34 with immediate effect.

The former Arsenal midfielder and Germany international had been playing for Turkish top flight side Istanbul Basaksehir since joining in the summer but has only made eight appearances for the club following injury problems.

Back complaints have caused the the playmaker to feature in only 187 minutes of football this campaign having moved from Fenerbahce following an underwhelming year and a half at the club.

My favourite Mesut Ozil moments at Arsenal: His imperious Champions League performance & goal Vs Napoli shortly after he signed in 2013. His utterly outstanding performance Vs Leicester City in October 2018, his solo goal Vs Ludogorets and his contributions to FA Cup triumphs https://t.co/Y8mRLzPu6P

— Layth (@laythy29) March 22, 2023

 Mesut Ozil retires mid-way through the football season, aged 34, as he admits 'it's time to leave the big stage' after struggles in Turkey after Arsenal contract was terminated - and political rows over the Uighurs.

Ozil revealed the news on Instagram in a statement reading: 'Hello everyone, After thoughtful consideration, l'm announcing my immediate retirement from professional football.

'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.'

Ozil won four FA Cups during his time at Arsenal but was frozen out by boss Mikel Arteta for his lack of consistency and willingness to buy into the team ethic.