Mesut Ozil shows off incredible body transformation as Arsenal hero looks jacked
He may have been a lean bean during his days playing for Arsenal, Real Madrid and Germany, but Mesut Ozil is looking less like the assist machine of old and more like a finisher after beefing up
No-one's going to be messing with Mesut Ozil anytime soon.
The 2014 World Cup-winner may have retired from playing in 2023, but he looks more game than ever before after undergoing a muscled makeover of late. And the once beloved son of Arsenal has been putting in the work to prove he;s the real deal after showcasing his workout regime on social media.
It's been speculated the ex-Real Madrid and Germany playmaker - who retired at Istanbul outfit Basaksehir last year - may even be contemplating a return to football based on his latest post. And while it remains to be seen whether he'd be in charge, Ozil would certainly be larger if that were the case.
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"Always stay ready, then you don't need to get ready," read the caption on Ozil's Instagram training montage along with an hourglass emoji. The former No10 can be seen pushing a sled loaded with a couple of plates and flinging battle ropes to a techno-esque soundtrack.
Both fans and former team-mates alike appeared in the comments section to pump the star up in reaction to his transformation. And it's no wonder why given the obvious blow-up he's undergone since taking a step back from the field.
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"Beast," came one compact compliment from former international team-mate Antonio Rudiger, who's now at Real himself. Meanwhile, former opponent Rio Ferdinand praised: "Looking strong bro."
"Bro doesn’t need protection from [Sead] Kolasinac anymore," read one fan reply, referencing the infamous 2019 carjacking attempt on the two players while at Arsenal together, where the Bosnian fought off the would-be assailants. Fast forward to today, and it might just be Ozil doing the defending.
It's up for debate as to whether Mesut's added mass would lend itself to his work around the pitch. But certain supporters may be enchanted by the retired playmaker for entirely different reasons today.