Germany's World Cup-winning midfielder Mesut Özil announced his retirement from football at the age of 34 on Wednesday.

The former Real Madrid and Arsenal player was a key member of Germany's World Cup-winning side in Brazil in 2014.

He retired from the squad in 2018 amid a political debate in Germany about an influx of migrants and after backlash over a photograph taken with Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan, saying he faced "racism and disrespect" over his Turkish ancestry.

After a turbulent exit from Arsenal, Mesut Özil arrived at Fenerbahçe in January 2021, intending to relaunch his career. However, life hasn't been easy for the German maestro at the Turkish club. 

Two months ago – after an unimpressive contribution of nine goals and five assists in 42 games — the player was dropped from the senior squad after a locker-room dispute with coach Ismail Kartal, leaving his future once again in the air. 

Mesut Özil vive días turbulentos en el Fenerbahçe y no faltan aquellos que especulan con un nuevo destino para el talentoso volante, entre ellos el Necaxa de México y la MLS.

Pelea de Mesut Özil con su técnico

El seleccionado alemán arribó al club turco en enero de 2021, luego de una tóxica relación con el Arsenal.

Sunday’s Intercontinental Derby between Galatasaray and Fenerbahçe featured two sides that are struggling to keep pace with the top of the Süper Lig, but it’s always a monumental occasion when the European side of Istanbul clashes with the Asian. 

The scene at Galatasaray’s NEF Stadium was electric before kick-off, with players entering the pitch to one of this season’s greatest tifos. If there’s a contest going on without a reference to Squid Game these days, did a contest really even take place?