Alexis Sanchez And Bukayo Saka both have sent messages to their former Arsenal teammate Mesut Ozil after announcing his retirement from football.
The 34-year-old has called him up on his playing career after winning nine trophies at club level while being capped 92 times for Germany and being part of the side that won the World Cup in 2014.
“After much consideration, I announce my immediate retirement from professional football,” Ozil wrote in a statement.
“I have had the privilege of being a professional football player for almost 17 years now and I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity.
“But in recent weeks and months, after also suffering some injuries, it is becoming increasingly clear that it is time to leave the big football stage.”
Ozil, along with Sanchez, won two of his four FA Cup trophies at Arsenal and the Chilean took the opportunity to pay a special tribute to his former team-mate.
“We really understood each other, my friend Mesut,” Sanchez wrote on Instagram. “I wish you the best in your next chapter.”
Saka, meanwhile, spent three years in the Arsenal first team alongside Ozil before the World Cup winner’s contract was terminated by the Gunners in January 2021.
‘What a player! Thank you for everything,” Saka told Ozil on Instagram. “Enjoy your next chapter.”
In their statement to Ozil, Arsenal said: “Everyone at the club wishes Mesut well in his retirement.”
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