MESUT OZIL may be trying to become a "little Cristiano Ronaldo", claims former Germany team-mate Mario Gomez.
Ozil, 35, retired from football last year following a spell with Istanbul Basaksehir in Turkey.
Since hanging up his boots, the former Arsenal star has undergone a dramatic body transformation.
Having possessed a wiry frame during his playing days, Ozil has bulked up dramatically in the gym.
Former Germany striker Gomez, 38, believes that his old team-mate's new look is "crass".
But he reckons he might know why Ozil decided to undergo the huge change.
Speaking on the Phrasenmaher football podcast, as per Bild, ex-striker Gomez said of Ozil's new look: "First of all, it’s admirable how he pulls it off.
"However, I am someone who believes in the happy medium because I have experienced swings in both directions and know that extremes often lead to nothing good.
"I don't know what his mission is behind this. It looks a bit crass and wouldn't be my thing - but that's not the point.
"When you come out of a career in which you received a lot of encouragement and praise for years, you naturally look for something that fulfils you.
"Mesut now seems to have found this in the gym.
"He also played with Ronaldo and maybe thinks: Now I have time to become a little Cristiano."
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."