MESUT OZIL may be trying to become a "little Cristiano Ronaldo", claims former Germany team-mate Mario Gomez.

Ozil, 35, retired from football last year following a spell with Istanbul Basaksehir in Turkey.

Since hanging up his boots, the former Arsenal star has undergone a dramatic body transformation.

Having possessed a wiry frame during his playing days, Ozil has bulked up dramatically in the gym.

Former Germany striker Gomez, 38, believes that his old team-mate's new look is "crass".

But he reckons he might know why Ozil decided to undergo the huge change.

Speaking on the Phrasenmaher football podcast, as per Bild, ex-striker Gomez said of Ozil's new look: "First of all, it’s admirable how he pulls it off.

"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.

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"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."

Ozil played alongside Ronaldo for three years between 2010 and 2013, before signing for Arsenal.

The 2014 World Cup-winner spent more than seven years at the Emirates, before being frozen out by former team-mate Mikel Arteta.

He subsequently played for Fenerbahce and Basaksehir before retiring in March last year.

Ozil's subsequent body transformation has not gone unnoticed by Ronaldo.

After Ozil posted a video of himself working out in the gym last month, the 39-year-old commented: "Bro not bad."

Ronaldo followed his comment up with a wink emoji.

Ozil's post received over one million likes, with plenty of other footballers past and present leaving comments.

Rio Ferdinand wrote: "Looking strong bro."

While Antonio Rudiger called him a "beast".

Franck Ribery left a heart emoji.

And former Brazil star Ze Roberto added: "Machine."