Sports world daily: Mesut Ozil retires from football, Carlos Alcaraz looks to defend Miami title

World No 1 Carlos Alcaraz is back at the Miami Masters, the event which first launched his rapid rise last year. Meanwhile, tennis legend Martina Navratilova announced that she is officially ‘cancer-free.’

In football, European giants and defending champions Italy prepare to take on England in their first qualification match for Euro 2024. But head coach Roberto Mancini, in a phase of rebuilding the squad, is lamenting a lack of depth.

Here’s a look at the key stories from international sporting events through the day for 22 March, 2023:

Ozil retires

World Cup winner Mesut Ozil announced his retirement from football on Wednesday after an illustrious international career with Germany and club spells with Real Madrid and Arsenal.

The 34-year-old helped Germany to glory in Brazil in 2014 but bitterly quit the international scene after the Germans crashed out of the 2018 tournament in Russia.

“After thoughtful consideration, I’m announcing my immediate retirement from professional football,” the attacking midfielder said.

“I’ve had the privilege to be an international footballer 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.”

His club career blossomed when his deft passing and...

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