MESUT OZIL has defended former team-mate Cristiano Ronaldo and accused pundits of using the Portuguese superstar’s name for attention.
Ronaldo, 37, has struggled to score goals since the start of the season, netting just three goals in 16 appearances for Manchester United.
Last month, after jetting off to Qatar with Portugal for the World Cup, his Red Devils contract was ripped up following an explosive interview with Piers Morgan in which he criticised several people at the club.
Then, after starting all three matches and scoring just one goal in the group stage, he was dropped for Portugal’s last-16 tie against Switzerland.
His replacement – Goncalo Ramos – bagged a hat-trick as Fernando Santos’ men won 6-1, with Ronaldo reduced to a late substitute appearance.
But Ozil, who spent three years alongside Ronaldo at Real Madrid, does not understand the negativity towards him.
Speaking on Twitter, he said: “Pundits who don’t have a career anymore just want to get attention with his big name and try to make him look bad.
“He is soon 38 years old – so what’s the surprise that he doesn’t score 50 goals a season anymore?
“Every football fan out there should be happy to have seen him playing world class football for 20 years.
“I don’t think anyone from the new generation will be able to match his numbers again. He will forever be in his own category. 🐐
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“Everyone should show more respect to one of the greatest athletes in sports history…”
His omission from the Switzerland game came after Santos slammed him for sulking when he was taken off in the defeat to South Korea.
Before their second round win, the Portugal head coach said: “Have I seen the images? Yes, I didn’t like it, not at all. I didn’t like it. I really didn’t like it.
“But from that moment onwards everything is finished regarding that issue.
“These matters are resolved behind closed doors. It’s resolved. Full stop on this matter and now everyone is focused on tomorrow’s match.”
Ronaldo is expected to be left out of Portugal’s starting line-up for their World Cup quarter-final against Morocco on Saturday.
If Portugal win, they will face France or England for a place in the final.
