Mesut Ozil has named his dream team for the new Champions League season and there are a few surprises.
Europe's premier competition gets back underway on Tuesday night with the first round of group matches.
And former Arsenal and Real Madrid star Ozil has taken to Twitter to name what he describes as his 'best XI'.
Kylian Mbappe and Erling Haaland unsurprisingly lead the line with Manchester City's Rodri at the base of midfield.
Ozil opts for an Arsenal man in the form of Bukayo Saka on the right wing and a German on the left in Leroy Sane.
35-year-old Sevilla veteran Ivan Rakitic is an unexpected inclusion alongside Rodri with Eduardo Camavinga completing the midfield.
The back line is made up of former Madrid team-mate Sergio Ramos as well as current Los Blancos defender Antonio Rudiger and Ruben Dias.
Manuel Neuer, who won the World Cup with Ozil, is between the sticks.
Ozil retired from football at the age of 34 earlier this year with back problems playing a role in his decision.
Revealing the decision, he wrote: 'Hello everyone, After thoughtful consideration, l'm announcing my immediate retirement from professional football.
'I've had the privilege to be a professional football player for almost 17 years now and I feel incredibly thankful for the opportunity.
'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.'
Ozil had little success in the Champions League as a player, failing to reach a final.
Faebdmorz
656
I wonder if people are really current with football news or just call themselves football fans. We should always read very carefully and understand what the other person is saying or has written before you or I jump to conclude. Ozil did not say the best 11 in the world, he only said the best 11 HE would like to use for 23/24 UCL. I wonder a lot of the so-called fans are asking for Ronaldo, Messi, Salah and almost all the players that are not in the UCl. This is Football which is a game that allows you to make your choice, Ozil did not force his selection on anyone because he never said they are the best in the world, just because someone did not like or chose your favorite player did not give you the room to call him names. Just make your selection and stop quarrelling over nothing. You don't like a player for one reason, maybe for the same reason another person may like him. A player may be useless to one Coach and be a very good asset to another Coach.
Niaceiltz
526
Sometimes age has a negative impact on people...
KingPami
348
What about this man.
fokikmpu
271
let understand what Ozil is saying here.he said his x1 for 23/24 Champions league dream team.he did not say this players that he mention are better than the others.that is Ozil opinion.and u can't change his opinion for sure.
TinotendaPMukaka
262
this is why he left city and go and get game tym