Organised crime, activists and states will be the main threats during the July 26-Aug. 11 Olympics and the Aug. 28-Sept. 8 Paralympics
sports1 day ago
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.
"After thoughtful consideration, I'm announcing my immediate retirement from professional football," the attacking midfielder said.
"I've had the privilege to be an international footballer 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, born in the German city of Gelsenkirchen but of Turkish descent, played on some of football's biggest stages but also became embroiled in international politics and accusations of racism.
When Germany was knocked out of the 2018 World Cup at the group stage, a wounded Ozil accused the German public of "racist" attacks.
His club career blossomed when his deft passing and vision helped secure his move from the Bundesliga to Jose Mourinho's Real Madrid side in 2010.
He soon led La Liga in assists while helping the Spanish club to their 32nd league title in 2012.
His big-money move to Arsenal in 2013 helped the London club end its FA Cup drought the following year.
In 2014, Ozil started the final as Germany beat Lionel Messi's Argentina 1-0 in the Maracana in Rio de Janeiro thanks to Mario Goetze's extra-time goal.
Ozil was repeatedly shortlisted for the Ballon d'Or but the later stages of his career were troubled by disputes over playing time and his close personal friendship with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.
Erdogan was the best man at Ozil's Istanbul wedding to former Miss Turkey and actress Amine in 2019.
But it was Ozil's decision to be pictured with Erdogan on the eve of Turkey's 2018 presidential election that caused particular controversy during that summer's World Cup.
Ozil's picture with the Turkish leader was widely interpreted as his political endorsement of Erdogan in the 2018 election campaign.
He ended his international career before moving to Fenerbahce and most recently Istanbul Basaksehir.
ALSO READ:
Organised crime, activists and states will be the main threats during the July 26-Aug. 11 Olympics and the Aug. 28-Sept. 8 Paralympics
sports1 day ago
The National Olympic Committee of Ukraine said he had joined the armed forces in the early days of the war
sports1 day ago
On Sunday, the final day of the adult competition, the UAE national team delivered a stellar performance, adding seven more medals to their tally
sports1 day ago
Tickets for the event, to be held in partnership with the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi), go on sale on Tuesday
sports1 day ago
It was a long overdue triumph for Norris, who held the record for most podiums without a win (15)
sports1 day ago
The pre-race favourite is bidding to become the first man to win the Giro d'Italia and Tour de France double since Marco Pantani in 1998
sports2 days ago
Becomes the first player to win four individual titles on the Saudi Arabia-backed tour as Ripper GC win Team Event
sports2 days ago
The Spaniard produced a flawless display and back-to-back birdies from the 16th saw him win by one shot from in-form Sebastian Söderberg
sports2 days ago