FORMER Arsenal star Mesut Ozil is in line for a shock return to football just six months after retiring, according to reports.
German outlet Bild, report that Ozil is being lined up for a boardroom role as the general manager of the Turkish team.
Ozil's link to the job comes after the Turkish national team sacked Stefan Kuntz from his managerial role after a 4-2 defeat to Japan.
The man that brought him in, Turkish midfield legend Hamit Altintop, is the current incumbent sporting director and Ozil could be his replacement.
The association are reportedly lining up former Germany manager Joachim Low as Kuntz's replacement and may appoint Ozil to oversee preparations for the Euros and World Cup.
Kuntz was sacked after a string of poor results and also for falling out with Turkey talisman Hakan Calhanoglou.
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There have been rumours that Altintop's job has been in danger dating as far back as June according to Bild, and Turkey's latest international results did not help matters.
A 1-1 draw with Armenia followed by the aforementioned 4-2 loss to Japan means Altintop's future is now hanging by a thread.
It would certainly be a shock move for Ozil to return to football so quickly after announcing his retirement back in March.
The midfielder most recently played for Istanbul Basaksehir after leaving Arsenal to join Fenerbache in 2020 but injuries saw him struggle to rediscover the glittering form of his early career.
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He joined Basaksehir in 2022 but made just seven appearances for the side before calling time on his career.
He said in a lengthy social media statement about his retirement: “Hello everyone, After thoughtful consideration I’m announcing my immediate retirement from professional football.
“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 04, Werder Bremen, Real Madrid, Arsenal FC, 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!”
It looks as though we may be seeing Ozil back in the football game sooner than we'd thought.
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