Michael Essien has congratulated former teammate and friend Mesut Ozil after the 2014 World Cup winner retired from football.
The former Arsenal and Real Madrid star announced his retirement from the game on Wednesday, March 22, 2023.
Ozil and Essien played together during the former Chelsea midfielder's brief loan spell at Real Madrid.
Essien wrote on social media: "Enjoy your retirement my friend, Mesut Ozil."
The former Germany international enjoyed a stellar career, spanning 17 years. He won the La Liga, the DFB Pokal, four English FA Cups and the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil.
"Hello everyone, after thoughtful consideration, l'm announcing my immediate retirement from professional football," wrote Ozil on Instagram.
"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.
"It has been an amazing journey filled with unforgettable moments and emotions. I want to thank my clubs -- Schalke, Werder Bremen, Real Madrid, Arsenal, Fenerbahce, Basaksehir and the coaches who supported me, plus team-mates who have become friends. 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 times 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. See you soon, Mesut!"