Ghana and Chelsea Legend Sends Special Message to Ozil on His Retirement

• Michael Essien has celebrated former teammate Mesut Ozil
• The 2014 World Cup winner announced his retirement on Wednesday
• Essien played together with Ozil during his time in La Liga with Real Madrid

Former Ghana and Chelsea midfielder, Michael Essien has paid tribute to friend, Mesut Ozil, following his retirement from the game.

The ex-Germany and Real Madrid star announced his retirement on Wednesday, March 22, 2023 after 17 successful years in football.

The World Cup winner played together with Essien during the Ghanaian's brief loan spell at Spanish giants Real Madrid.

Essien took to social media to share a heartwarming message as he wished Ozil the best of retirement.

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"Enjoy your retirement my friend, Mesut Ozil," wrote Essien on Twitter.

Ozil is one of the most revered playmakers of his generation and was at a point described as the best number 10 in the world.

The former Germany international enjoyed a stellar career, playing for Schalke O4, Werder Bremen, Real Madrid, Arsenal, Fenerbache and more recently Istanbul Basaksehir.

He won one DFB Pokal, one La Liga title, four FA Cups and the 2014 FFA World Cup.

The five-time German player of the year holds the record for the most assists in a single season in the English Premier League.

Mesut Ozil announces retirement

Earlier, Sports Brief reported that World Cup winner Mesut Ozil announced his retirement from football on Wednesday after an illustrious international career with Germany and club spells with Real Madrid and Arsenal.

The 34-year-old helped Germany to glory in Brazil in 2014 but bitterly quit the international scene after the Germans crashed out of the 2018 tournament in Russia.

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"After thoughtful consideration, I'm announcing my immediate retirement from professional football," the attacking midfielder said.

Mesut Ozil's unique style explained

Mesut Ozil announced his retirement from professional football after enjoying a 17-year-long successful career in which he played for some of the best teams in the world.

The Turkish-German star was one of the most talented footballers of his generation and one of the most controversial.

He earned a reputation for his vision, passing, and creativity and is regarded by many as one of the last proper number 10s, a dying role in modern football.