Mesut Ozil celebrates transformation landmark with five-word message

Former Arsenal playmaker Mesut Ozil has celebrated the anniversary since he started his remarkable transformation. The Germany international made 254 appearances across eight seasons for the Gunners before he departed the club in 2021 and retired from professional football two years later.

His last outing came during a brief spell with Turkish club Istanbul Basaksehir, where he made seven appearances during an injury-hit stint, as he officially hung up his boots in March 2023. Since then, he has been on an eye-catching body transformation as he swapped football drills for dumbbells.

On Instagram, the 35-year-old celebrated one year since embarking on his transition into weight-lifting, posting: “1 Year Very Hard WORK,” as he posed with his orange jumper held up displaying his abs.

Ozil has actively displayed his work in the gym on his social media accounts with the likes of gym videos showing the midfielder on a flat bench pushing two 50KG dumbbells. A photo uploaded to his Instagram also shows his stunning body transformation alongside personal coach Alper Aksac.

“Hello everyone, after thoughtful consideration, I’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,” the former Germany international wrote at the time of his retirement.

“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. It has been an amazing journey filled with unforgettable moments and emotions.

“I want to thank my clubs – Schalke 04, Werder Bremen, Real Madrid, Arsenal FC, Fenerbahce, Basaksehir and the coaches who supported me, plus team-mates who have become friends. Special thanks must go to my family members and my closest friends.

“They have been a part of my journey from day one and have given me so much love and support, through the good times and the bad. Thank you to all my fans who have shown me so much love no matter the circumstances and no matter which club I was representing.

“Now I’m looking forward to everything that is in front of me with my beautiful wife, Amine, and my two beautiful daughters, Eda and Ela – but you can be sure that you will hear from me from time to time on my social media channels. See you soon, Mesut!”