Former German Star Slams Mesut Ozil for Trying to be Like 'Little Cristiano Ronaldo'

• Mesut Ozil has dramatically transformed his body since retiring
• Ozil now boasts a muscular physique compared to his former slender body
• His ex-Germany teammate has a theory about his remarkable transformation

Mario Gomez has claimed Mesut Ozil might be striving to emulate a "mini Cristiano Ronaldo" with his recent physical transformation after retiring from football.

Ozil had a celebrated career playing for clubs such as Werder Bremen, Real Madrid, and Arsenal before ending his professional career last year following spells with Fenerbahce and Istanbul Basaksehir.

Renowned for his technical prowess and slender physique throughout his playing days, the 35-year-old also clinched the 2014 World Cup with his national team.

Yet, post-retirement, Ozil has drawn attention with his significant body transformation, notably bulking up as a midfielder.

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Gomez, who shared the field with Ozil on the German national team, hinted at a possible explanation behind the former Arsenal star's newfound physicality.

'First of all, it’s admirable how he pulls it off,' Gomez told the Phrasenmaher podcast via Mirror Football.

'However, I am someone who believes in the happy medium because I have experienced swings in both directions and know that extremes often lead to nothing good.

'I don't know what his mission is behind this. It looks a bit crass and wouldn't be my thing - but that's not the point.

'When you come out of a career in which you received a lot of encouragement and praise for years, you naturally look for something that fulfils you.

'Mesut now seems to have found this in the gym. He also played with Ronaldo and maybe thinks: Now I have time to become a little Cristiano.'

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Ronaldo and Ozil combo

Ronaldo and Ozil played together at Real Madrid from 2010 to 2013, after which the German transitioned to Arsenal.

Renowned for his chiselled physique and unwavering commitment to fitness, the Portuguese superstar, now 39, continues to excel.

Recently, the Al-Nassr captain commended Ozil for his physical transformation. Responding to a gym workout post, Ronaldo commented, "Bro not bad," along with a wink emoji.

Cristiano Ronaldo sends message to Ozil

Sports Brief reported on Ronaldo sending a message to Ozil after his former Real Madrid teammate transformed his physique after hanging up his boots last year.

The Portuguese was in awe of the transformation and left a cheeky message for the German on Instagram, applauding the work put into achieving the figure.