Mesut Ozil has caused shock among football fans with his jaw-dropping transformation.
The former Arsenal hero, once noted for his slight build during his time at the Emirates and with Real Madrid, has undergone a remarkable change since hanging up his boots. Having called time on his football career a year ago following his stint with Istanbul Basaksehir in Turkey, Ozil has been pumping iron with serious dedication, and the outcome is nothing short of astonishing.
At 35, Ozil isn’t shy about flaunting his gym progress to his massive Instagram audience. He’s often seen hoisting hefty weights in his workout videos. But in his most recent social media update, the focus was all on showcasing the fruits of his labour rather than the grind itself.
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Flashing his chiselled abs for his 28million followers, Ozil captioned: “1 Year Very Hard WORK [sunglasses emoji].” The reaction from his fanbase was predictably full of awe, with some expressing their admiration, while one lamented: “If he had this body in his prime… [skeleton emojis].”
Another quipped: “Bro is going to WWE”, as others simply responded with “wow” or flexed bicep emojis. In another gym clip, shared earlier this year, Ozil declared: “Always stay ready, then you don’t need to get ready.”
(Image: m10_official/Instagram)
Among those taken aback by Ozil’s ripped appearance was Cristiano Ronaldo, who commented: “Bro not bad”, accompanied by a wink emoji and a virtual thumbs up. Rio Ferdinand complimented: “Looking strong bro”, while Antonio Rudiger, a former team-mate from Germany’s national squad, dubbed Ozil a “beast”.
Ozil, whose end to his career was hampered by injury, hung up his boots last year at 34. Reflecting on his decision, he said: “I’ve had the privilege to be a professional football player for almost 17 years now and I feel incredibly thankful for the opportunity.
(Image: PA)
“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. It has been an amazing journey filled with unforgettable moments and emotions. I want to thank my clubs Schalke, Werder Bremen, Real Madrid, Arsenal, Fenerbahce, Basaksehir and the coaches who supported me, plus team-mates who have become friends.
“Special thanks must go to my family members and my closest friends. They have been a part of my journey from day one and have given me so much love and support, through the good times and the bad.”