Cristiano Ronaldo applauds Mesut Ozil for his rigorous gym workout... as the former Arsenal midfielder shows off his muscular physique - just a year on from his retirment

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Cristiano Ronaldo shared his support for his former Real Madrid team-mate Mesut Ozil after the German shared a video of himself undertaking a rigorous workout in the gym. 

The former Arsenal midfielder, who announced his retirment from professional football a year ago today, had posted a clip on Instagram of him using a set of battle ropes before pushing a weighted sled up and down the length of a gym back in February.

The 35-year-old, who played at Real Madrid with Ronaldo between 2010 and 2013, captioned the video: 'Always stay ready, then you don't need to get ready.' 

He also added a 'sand timer' and a '100' emoji to the caption, sparking some speculation among fans that he could be considering a return to football. 

Despite that, it looked like a gruelling work out, with Ronaldo taking to Instagram to laud the former Germany international for his efforts.

Mesut Ozil posted a video of himself undertaking a rigorous workout in the gym in February

Ozil and Cristiano Ronaldo (pictured) played together at Real Madrid between 2010 and 2013

The 35-year-old retired from football a year today but has been keeping himself in good shape

His former team-mate Ronaldo wrote on Instagram: 'Bro not bad' with a 'winking face' emoji

On Thursday, the Al-Nassr forward wrote: 'Bro not bad' with a 'winking face' emoji. The timing of Ronaldo's post is also curious, considering Ozil originally posted the clip back on February 13.

During their time at Real Madrid, Ozil and Ronaldo would play together in 149 matches and would amass an impressive 39 joint goal involvements. 

Ozil has previously spoken on their relationship on the pitch, claiming he actually didn't have to do too much work to create chances for Ronaldo.

'I’ve never seen a person like him,' Ozil told Arsenal's official website back in 2018.

'I really enjoyed playing with him because he made me better on the pitch and he’s a great guy off it, too.

'It was easy to play with him because you didn’t need to create a lot of chances.

'Even if I just gave him two passes, he would score two goals and that’s why he’s one of the greatest footballers who’s ever lived.' 

The Portuguese football sensation is widely regarded as one of the most driven and fittest footballers to ever grace the game. He is renowned for his insane training plans, healthy diet and his love of ice baths. 

Like a fine wine, Ronaldo continues to play competitively at the age of 39, thanks to the dedication and hard work he has put into keeping himself fit and healthy. 

Ozil, meanwhile, is set to play at the over-35 World Cup later this summer for Germany

And it seems Ozil has also been working on his fitness, showing off his muscular physique in the gym. 

Several other big names from the world of football commented on the post, including Antonio Rudiger who called him a 'beast'.

Rio Ferdinand added: 'looking strong bro' while legendary France winger, Franck Ribery also shared the love, posting a heart emoji and two 'raised hands'.

It comes as the former Gunners midfielder has been included in the Germany squad for the upcoming over-35 World Cup in England this summer. 

The World Cup winner is set to re-unite on the pitch with several of his former international team-mates, including Sami Khedira and former Schalke forward Kevin Kuriyani.

Ozil and Ronaldo would play together in 149 matches and amassed 39 joint goal involvements

At the age of 39, Ronaldo continues to inspire many with his incredibly toned physique

Ozil was playing for Turkish side Istanbul Basaksehir when he announced his retirement 

On March 22, 2023, Ozil announced that he would be retiring from professional football after a difficult few years with injury. 

He had been playing for Turkish top flight side Istanbul Basaksehir, but only managed seven appearances before announcing that he'd be retiring. 

Ozil made 254 appearances for Arsenal during his spell at the Emirates, returning 44 goals before he was phased out by Mikel Arteta. 

In 2023, he spoke out on his retirement on social media, writing: '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,' he added.