Former Germany team-mate Mario Gomez has commented on Mesut Ozil’s dramatic body transformation since retiring from football last year. Ozil, 35, has undergone a significant physical change, bulking up in the gym after possessing a wiry frame during his playing days. Gomez, 38, believes that his old team-mate’s new look is “crass” but suggests that Ozil’s desire to emulate Cristiano Ronaldo may have influenced his decision to undergo such a huge change. 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.” Gomez, who played with Ozil for Germany between 2007 and 2018, believes that Ozil’s desire to emulate Ronaldo’s athleticism and physique may have influenced his decision to undergo such a significant change. “He also played with Ronaldo and maybe thinks: Now I have time to become a little Cristiano,” Gomez said. Ronaldo is known for his rigorous fitness regime, which includes 25-30 minutes of cardio, high-intensity sprinting, and targeted weights to increase muscle strength. He is also a regular swimmer and is obsessed with Pilates, which focuses on resistance work to strengthen his core. Ronaldo trains three to four hours a day after he’s finished with his club. Former team-mate Patrice Evra once revealed he hated going round to Ronaldo’s for dinner, because after they ate he made him do an intense workout.
Mesut Ozil’s Dramatic Body Transformation Draws Comparisons to Cristiano Ronaldo
