Mesut Ozil makes surprise career change after undergoing crazy body transformation

Former Arsenal and Real Madrid star Mesut Ozil has taken a step into politics, nearly two years on from hanging up his boots.

The former Germany international called it quits in March 2023 after ending his career in Turkey with Istanbul Basaksehir. Since then, the 36-year-old has been hard at work in the gym, showing off the results of his body transformation last summer.

Ozil, who was also eligible to play international football for Turkey, and that's where he has chosen to begin his political career. Turkish president Recep Tayyip Erdogan was the best man at the footballer's wedding in 2019, and Ozil has come in for criticisim for his closeness to the leader.

Erdogan, who has been president since 2014, represents Turkey's AK Party. And this is also the party with whom Ozil is taking his first political steps.

AK Party elected the newest members of its central decision and administration board following its ordinary grand congress. The names were published online on Sunday, with Ozil listed among them.

The congress, in Ankara, also saw Erdogan re-elected as leader. AK Party, or the Justice and Development Party, has ruled Turkey since 2002.

The Sun reports that tens of thousands gathered for the congress as Erdogan won re-election. Ozil was one of 39 new appointees to the body on which he will now sit.

Did you anticipate Mesut Ozil's move into politics? Have your say in the comments section

During an accomplished football career, Ozil made more than 600 appearances and won trophies in Spain and England. He was also part of Germany's squad for their 2014 World Cup triumph, starting every match for Jogi Low's team, but would later turn his back on the German national side amid racism claims.

"It is with a heavy heart and after much consideration that because of recent events I will no longer be playing for Germany at international level whilst I have this feeling of racism and disrespect," the 92-cap star said when announcing his international retirement in 2018.

"I used to wear the German shirt with such pride and excitement, but now I don't. This decision has been extremely difficult to make because I have always given everything for my team-mates, the coaching staff and the good people of Germany.

"But when high-ranking DFB officials treat me as they did, disrespect my Turkish roots and selfishly turn me into political propaganda then enough is enough. That is not why I play football, and I will not sit back and do nothing about it. Racism should never, ever be accepted."

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