Former Gunner announces retirement at 31 | OneFootball

Former Arsenal midfielder Oguzhan Ozyakup has decided to retire from professional football, turning down offers to return to the Turkish Super Lig.

Robin Van Persie (L) talks to midfielder Oguzhan Ozyakup during a training session at Arsenal’s training ground, London Colney, north London, on September 27, 2011. (Photo: GLYN KIRK/AFP/Getty Images)

Former Arsenal academy midfielder Oguzhan Ozyakup was one of the lucky few to progress from the Gunners’ youth ranks to the first team, making a couple of apperances for the senior side in 2011/12 and providing an assist against Shrewsbury.

After four years with Arsenal, the midfielder ended up leaving to play most of his career with Besiktas. He spent a decade contracted to the club and made 310 appearances in their colours.

There were plenty of links with an Arsenal return over that decade, particularly after Ozyakup was named Super Lig Player of the Year and included in two Super Lig Teams of the Year.

But Ozyakup’s spell in Turkey eventually came to an end when he ran down his contract and moved to Fortuna Sittard in the Netherlands in 2022.

Turkey’s midfielder Oguzhan Ozyakup celebrates his team’s victory at the end of the Euro 2016 group D football match between Czech Republic and Turkey at Bollaert-Delelis stadium in Lens on June 21, 2016. (PHILIPPE LOPEZ/AFP/Getty Images)

After a couple of years with Fortuna Sittard, Ozyakup had offers to return and play in the Super Lig again. Yet with no offer on the table from Besiktas, he decided instead to retire.

“Ever since I knew myself, I have always played football with joy and pleasure,” Ozyakup explained on social media. “Football has never been just football for me, it was my life and it will always be part of my life.

“It is a privilege that I have always had the honor of playing football for different clubs that had a vision and a dream. From championships to cups, I have played unforgettable matches.

“When I think back on the past few years, I feel extremely grateful that I was able to experience these fantastic moments.

“However, over the past 2 seasons I have noticed how challenging and exciting the matches that I have been able to play were, the fire no longer burns as it did in previous years.”

Besiktas’ Netherlands-born Turkish midfielder Oguzhan Ozyakup answers questions during a press conference at Arsenal’s Emirates Stadium in north London, on August 26, 2014, on the eve of their UEFA Champions League second-leg play-off match against Arsenal (AFP PHOTO/OLLY GREENWOOD)

Ozyakup continued: “Earning money with football has never been my motivation, that is why I only want to play football as long as I get satisfaction from football and it remains within my own vision.

“I am grateful to the Turkish Super Lig clubs who made an offer this summer. However, I always felt like Oguzhan from Besiktas and I always wanted to be remembered that way, which made it impossible to play for another club in Turkey.

“Over the past few months I have thought carefully and made a difficult but well-considered decision regarding my career.

“Due to the lack of sufficient motivation and goals in contrast to the infinite love and value I have for football, I have decided to end my professional football career.

“I would like to thank everyone who contributed to my career very much.”

Oguzhan Ozyakup playing for Besiktas

Ozyakup ends his career as a three-time Super Lig winner, as well as lifting the Turkish Cup and Turkish Super Cup once each.

The 31-year-old made 43 appearances for the Turkish national team, having also represented various Dutch youth international teams as a young player.