Özat calls it a day after heart problem

Agence France-Presse

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"I believe in destiny, my career is finished, but thanks to God, I am still alive," said the emotional 32-year-old during a press conference.

The Cologne captain collapsed unconscious during a German league game on August 29 against Karlsruhe. He was later revived in hospital and was eventually diagnosed as having suffered with an inflamation of the heart muscles. Özat later travelled to the United States to consult specialists and was advised to retire rather than endanger his life by resuming his football career at a high-level.

Joins coaching staff

"I'd like to thank the supporters and the people in charge of the club, it was a great honor to play for Cologne," said the defender who won 41 caps for Turkey.

Özat will join the coaching staff at Cologne . He played most of his football for Turkish club Fenerbahçe and joined Cologne, which was managed by Özat's former coach at Fener Christoph Daum, in 2007. Praised for his work ethics, Özat was part of the Turkish national team which finished third at the 2002 World Cup.