Former Real Madrid and Arsenal midfielder Mesut Ozil has announced his retirement, Wednesday from professional football at age 34.

Ozil, who was part of Germany's World Cup-winning squad in 2014, has spent the past three seasons in the Turkish Super Lig and retires after making four league appearances for Basaksehir, who he joined as a free agent last year.

The 34-year-old spent eight years at the Emirates Stadium after a £42.5million switch to North London from Spanish giants Real Madrid in 2013.

The midfielder made 645 career appearances for club and country, including 254 for Arsenal across a seven-year stint. He featured in the club's FA Cup finals in 2014, 2015 and 2017, helping his side to victory in all three Wembley matches.

Ozil disclosed his retirement via his official Twitter account (@M10) on Wednesday.

“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 described his football journey as an amazing one filled with unforgettable moments and emotions.

He thanked the clubs he had played for – Schalke 04, Werder Bremen, Real Madrid, Arsenal FC, Fenerbache, Basaksehir, the coaches who supported him and team mates who have become friends.

He added, “Special thanks must go to my family members and my closest friends. They have been a part of my journey from day one and have given me so much love and support, through the good and the bad.

“Thank you to all my fans who have shown me so much love no matter the circumstances and no matter which club I was representing. Now I’m looking forward to everything that is in front of me with my beautiful wife, Amine, and my two beautiful daughters, Eda and Ela – but you can be sure that you will hear from me from time to time on my social media channels (winks).”