The German playmaker enjoyed some special days during his years with the Gunners – but what were the standout moments?
Mesut Ozil has officially brought the curtain down on his glittering career. The 2014 World Cup winner announced the news on his social media channels following a brief spell with Istanbul Basaksehir.
"I've had the privilege to be a professional football player for almost 17 years now and I feel incredibly thankful for the opportunity,” Ozil said. “But in recent weeks and months, having also suffered some injuries, it's become more and more clear that its time to leave the big stage of football."
The announcement has understandably seen tributes flood in from fans all around the world, not least at Arsenal, where Ozil spent more than seven years following his move from Real Madrid in 2013.
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The German hit some great heights in north London during his spell with the Gunners. But what were his stand out moments with the Premier League club? GOAL takes a look…
10The day he signed
No Arsenal fan will forget the drama of that deadline day in 2013.
News broke that Arsenal were trying to get a deal done with Real Madrid for Ozil the night before, just hours after the Gunners had beaten Spurs 1-0 in the North London Derby.
Fans went into meltdown at the prospect of landing one of Europe’s top playmakers, with hundreds gathering outside the Emirates as the clock ticked down awaiting confirmation that the deal had been done.
It went right to the wire, but Arsenal got the £42.4 million move over the line – smashing their transfer record in the process and sending all those fans who were outside the stadium into ecstasy.
Those scenes, which were shown live on Sky Sports, will live long in the memory.
AdvertisementGetty Images9The debut assist
It took Ozil just 11 minutes to make his mark in an Arsenal shirt.
His debut came at Sunderland in the Premier League and he had the eyes of the world on him following his big money move from Real Madrid.
But if he felt any pressure, then he certainly didn’t show it, as he put in a performance that would set the tone for the majority of his Arsenal career.
On 11 minutes he raced down the left wing and gracefully brought a Kieran Gibbs long ball under control with one superb touch with his left foot.
Ozil then looked up and played a perfect pass into the path of Olivier Giroud, who didn’t even have to break stride as he rolled a first time finish into the bottom corner.
Arsenal’s record signing was up and running.
Getty Images8The Newcastle volley
Ozil scored plenty of fine goals during his time at Arsenal, but none were more spectacular than the volley he produced against Newcastle in December 2017.
In a tight and scrappy game, Ozil produced the one moment of magic that ensured it was Arsenal that left with all three points.
It came after an Alexis Sanchez shot had been blocked and the ball looped back towards Ozil on the edge of the box. There appeared to be little on, but the playmaker produced a stunning volley which flew over a crowd of players in front of him and nestled into the top corner.
A stunning goal.
Getty Images7His first Arsenal goal
It took Ozil five games to get his first Arsenal goal, but when it arrived it was certainly worth waiting for.
It came against Napoli in the Champions League on a raucous night at Emirates Stadium in 2013.
The finish was masterful, carefully caressing Aaron Ramsey’s cross into the corner of the net with a wonderfully timed half-volley on the run.
It was a super goal which set Arsenal on their way to an impressive European victory.