Mario Gomez says Mesut Ozil’s new, beefed-up physique ‘looks a bit crass’ and believes the ex-Arsenal and Real Madrid midfielder could be trying to turn himself into a ‘little Cristiano Ronaldo’.

Ozil, widely regarded as one of the finest playmakers of his generation, brought his glittering career to an end in March 2023 after lifting numerous trophies for club and country, including the 2014 World Cup with Germany.

After joining Istanbul Basaksehir on a short-term deal, persistent injury problems convinced Ozil to call it a day and it appears the 35-year-old has since spent most of his spare time in the gym over the last 12 months.

Ozil’s physique is now almost unrecognisable from his playing days, with the former Arsenal fan favourite – a four-time FA Cup winner with the Gunners – keeping his followers updated with footage of his gruelling workouts and clips showcasing his remarkable body transformation.

The German’s posts have been flooded with messages of support from fans and ex-team-mates including Ronaldo, who responded, ‘Bro not bad’ alongside a winking emoji, on one of his recent videos on Instagram.

Former Germany and Bayern Munich striker Gomez, meanwhile, told the Phrasenmaher podcast that he ‘admires’ Ozil’s dedication but feels his fellow countryman’s new look is a ‘bit crass’.

‘First of all, it’s admirable how he pulls it off,’ Gomez said.

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‘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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Speaking to Spanish publication Marca earlier this month, Ozil revealed his new hobby had no particular objective other than simply ‘staying fit’ in retirement.

‘I don’t have a special goal. I am not waiting for a WWE offer. (laughing),’ Ozil joked.

‘I’m really just making that for myself – to stay fit. It makes a lot of fun.

‘I have my own gym in my house and a personal trainer.’

The World Cup winner insisted he had no regrets after hanging his boots up last year and was enjoying spending more time with his loved ones.

Asked whether he missed football, Ozil replied: ‘Not yet to be honest.

‘I am very proud of my career and all the big clubs I have played for.

‘But the decision I took a year ago was considered very well and I exactly knew what I wanted.

‘I enjoy life with my family in Istanbul to the fullest. It’s a big pleasure I can see both kids growing up and seeing them every day.

‘I would have had opportunities to continue my career or even to come back one more time – offers from Saudi Arabia or Qatar and other tournaments, but I didn’t want that and I don’t regret it.’

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