Mesut Ozil has thrown his weight behind Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang after his Arsenal team-mate was criticised by Toni Kroos for his 'stupid' mask celebrations and not being a role model.
Aubameyang called out Real Madrid midfielder Kroos, who played alongside Ozil for Germany before his retirement, after his scathing comments concerning his choice of theatrics.
And Ozil has now taken to social media to show his support for Aubameyang, posting a gif of the striker's trademark celebration and labelling it 'the best' in the caption.
In a surprising and no holds barred segment on his Einfach mal Luppen podcast, via Sport Bild, Kroos did not hold back in hitting out at Aubameyang.
'I find it very silly. Even worse is if there are any objects hidden in their socks,' he admitted.
'Aubameyang once celebrated and took out a mask. That's where it ends with me.
'I don't think that's a good role model, either. What nonsense.'
Aubameyang's Twitter tirade in response was accompanied by a picture of himself, which was drawn by a junior school pupil who had been asked to think about what happiness meant to them.
The prolific frontman wrote: 'By the way does this @ToniKroos have kids?
'Just to remember I did it for my son a few times and I will do it again, I wish you have kids one day and make them happy like this. Junior School pupils Talk. And don’t Forget #maskon #staysafe.'
The former Borussia Dortmund striker is well known for pulling on a wide variety of masks after scoring.
In 2019, he sported a Black Panther mask, made famous by late actor Chadwick Boseman, after scoring against Rennes in the Europa League.
He said after the game: 'I needed a mask which represents me and that's the Black Panther. In Gabon, we call the national team the Panthers.'
Aubameyang has also worn Batman, Spiderman and Deadpool masks over the years.
The 31-year-old has netted just two league goals this season, however, and is unlikely to ever be fielded alongside Ozil again at the Emirates.
Ozil was excluded from Arsenal's Premier League and Europa League squads after being frozen out by Mikel Arteta.
The bombshell move sparked a harsh war of words between the player's agent and the manager.
Kmbarca10
422
Honestly I don’t understand why Kroos is wasting his time insulting other players when he should be improving his team and himself before Real Madrid goes to the Europa League😂😂😂😂
Liwcimruy
256
I think Kroos hates everything that makes people happy. First it was Bayern's dinner, and now on people's celebrations
Akechandy
91
Toni can you fly before you can talk.
ezra_wahome
87
I'm a Madridista 4 life but Kroos you really went overboard here. I see no problem with the celebration. In fact it brings something new to the usual celebrations of swinging your arms, jumping, sliding etc. Players like Aubameyeng are the reason people love this sport so much...they stay real to the sport and to themselves...RESPECT
VAR-IS-SHIT
50
it was really bad from kroos... without knowing any reason, he criticized auba... that celebration is not preferred by him, fine... but he shouldn't have responded like this... it's bad
Loackyz
48
I have no words for tony, who ever knows him should tell him to respect others, auba continue my son loves it a lot
Sosbenstuz
33
Ozil was far better than this Kroos when he played for Germany. So he know better than him. Most notably between 2012-2017
standard123
8
Honestly I don’t understand why Kroos is wasting his time insulting other players when he should be improving his team and himself before Real Madrid goes to the Europa League😂😂😂😂
are u sure psg isn't going to Europa This season