Ronaldo Deserves More Respect Than He Currently Receives — Mesut Ozil

 Mesut Ozil, a former Arsenal player, has slammed critics of Cristiano Ronaldo, claiming that the Portuguese superstar deserves more respect than he receives, particularly from the media.

Ronaldo's contract at Manchester United was terminated by mutual consent in November following an explosive interview with British journalist Piers Morgan.

Recently, it was reported that the former Real Madrid star had a falling out with national team coach Fernando Santos and was dropped for their World Cup match against Switzerland.

The 37-year-old has been chastised by managers, fans, and pundits alike for his recent actions, but Ozil has defended his former teammate, claiming Ronaldo's critics 'want to get attention'.

Ozil wrote on his Twitter account, 'I really don't get where this constant negativity is coming from the press about Cristiano comes from… The Media is just trying to get clicks, and 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. Everyone should show more respect to one of the greatest athletes in sports history.’

Ozil spent four years playing with Ronaldo in Real Madrid before joining Arsenal in 2013.