Germany coach Hansi Flick has paid tribute to Mesut Ozil after he announced his retirement yesterday.

The former Arsenal and Real Madrid midfielder has hung up the boots at the age of 34 while with Istanbul Basaksehir.

Flick said: “Mesut Ozil was one of the outstanding players in the national team.

"During his most successful period, he was one of the best football players in the world. He was an integral part of the national team for ten years, the highlight of which was the world title in 2014, to which he also made a decisive contribution.

"I really enjoyed working with him, he had exceptional skills, his technique and vision of the game were outstanding. All of us in the team wish him and his family all the best in the post-career period."