Alexis Sanchez breaks silence on Arsenal hero Mesut Ozil's retirement

Ex-Arsenal star Alexis Sanchez has sent Mesut Ozil a message after the former Real Madrid playmaker announced his retirement from football

Former Arsenal hero Alexis Sanchez has sent Mesut Ozil a heartfelt message after the German playmaker announced his retirement from football on Wednesday.

"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."

Sanchez, who played alongside Ozil at the Emirates Stadium for three-and-a-half seasons, then posted a tribute message on Instagram alongside a number of pictures of the talented duo together.

"We really understood each other, my friend Mesut," the Chilean's Instagram post read. "Wishing you the best in your next chapter."

Ozil featured 254 times for Arsenal, netting 44 times and providing a further 79 assists - winning three FA Cups in the process. Meanwhile, Sanchez is currently plying his trade at Ligue 1 side Marseille, where he has revitalised his career.

The 34-year-old has netted 12 league goals this term, playing alongside former Gunners Matteo Guendouzi and Saed Kolasinac, with Arsenal left-back Nuno Tavares also on loan at the Stade Velodrome.