Mesut Ozil not retiring from football as ex-Arsenal star undergoes surgery on back injury that has d

Former Arsenal star Mesut Ozil will not be retiring from football despite undergoing surgery on a back injury, according to his agent Erkut Sogut.

The 34-year-old has seen his career stutter since leaving the Gunners in 2021, making 37 appearances for Fenerbahce before seeing his contract mutually terminated.

Since then, Ozil has signed for Istanbul Basaksehir but has seen his match action limited due to illness and then a troublesome back injury that has derailed his season so far.

The playmaker has played just 21 minutes of first team action since joining the club over the summer and after undergoing surgery on his back problem, rumours started circling to suggest that he may be set to call a day on his football career.

However according to his agent, that speculation is untrue.

As quoted by AS, Sogut said: “Mesut was operated on successfully. He will play again when he is fully recovered. 

"It's not about leaving football. 

"If that decision is made, he will explain it himself. He won't let anyone do it for him. 

Most read in Football

"Mesut has already explained why he has gone to Başakşehir after leaving Fenerbahçe; but he had already said that he would not play for any other big team other than Fenerbahçe. 

"He will not play for Beşiktaş, Galatasaray or Trabzonspor."

OFFER OF THE DAY

Bet365: Bet £10 Get £50 In Free Bets* - CLAIM HERE

Open account offer. Bet £10 & Get £50 in Free Bets for new customers at bet365. Min deposit requirement. Free Bets are paid as Bet Credits and are available for use upon settlement of qualifying bets. Min odds, bet and payment method exclusions apply. Returns exclude Bet Credits stake. Time limits and T&Cs apply 18+ Begambleaware.org

ncG1vNJzZmiskaG4tLzOq6tnm5%2BifKe7zq2ZmqScZH5zfpdpaHJnnZrAtsCMqLGipF2eu7TAwKeZrqRdl660rcqsnKGhomKus7%2FEp5ilZaKawaq%2BxKacp6xf