SPORTS stars always find it hard when they retire after years of success in their craft.
And that frustrating transition usually shows on their physique as they are no longer required to maintain elite fitness levels.
But there are also those who refuse to give up on the routine that turned them into world-class sportspeople.
In fact, there are some who find all the new down time as an opportunity to take their fitness to the next level.
And by doing so, they prove that age is indeed nothing but a number after hanging up their gear.
SunSport look at SEVEN star athletes who got absolutely ripped after retirement:
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Mesut Ozil
Mesut Ozil stunned football fans around the globe with his stunning body transformation.
Ozil shocked the world when he retired at the age of 34 last year following a brief stint with Istanbul Basaksehir.
However, the German has since hit the gym and has built some unbelievable mass that led to praise from former team-mate Cristiano Ronaldo.
The legendary playmaker appears to be in better shape than his days at Real Madrid and Arsenal.
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Ze Roberto
Ze Roberto experienced tremendous success with Bayer Leverkusen and Bayern Munich.
The former midfielder also won two Copa America honours with Brazil.
However, the 49-year-old never looked as good as he does now as he nears his 50th birthday.
Ze Roberto has taken up a career as a personal trainer and looks like he could return to action on a moment’s notice after adopting a healthy lifestyle without smoking, drinking and eating junk.
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Fernando Torres
Fernando Torres set the world alight during his time at Atletico Madrid and Liverpool.
However, Torres’ performances significantly deteriorated after he joined Chelsea on a then record £50million deal.
The legendary striker hung up his boots in 2019 and quickly swapped his lean figure with a bulked up physique.
The Spaniard now looks more like a former UFC fighter rather than a football great at the age of 40.
Clarence Seedorf
When thinking of one of the best midfielders of all time, Clarence Seedorf is always among the first names that come to mind.
Seedorf made a name for himself during his time at Ajax, Real Madrid, Inter Milan and more notably AC Milan.
The Dutchman rolled credits on his glittering 22-year career in 2014 but never stopped grinding.
Now Seedorf looks good enough to make it to Netherlands’ team ahead of Euro 2024 despite his advanced age of 47.
Chris Tremlett
Chris Tremlett reached fame in cricket during his 15-year career in the sport.
Tremlett put together a series of glittering performances until his retirement in 2015.
And the 42-year-old looks better than ever after he started lifting weights.
One should wonder how far he could bat with his new bulky figure…
Dwayne Johnson
Dwayne Johnson is arguably the biggest star in Hollywood following a series of blockbuster action movies.
And Johnson has a lot to thank his physique for, which makes it hard to believe he’s 51 years old.
The American actor, though, always looked fit as he enjoyed a legendary career in professional wrestling as The Rock.
The 10-time world champion put the sport on the map during the Attitude Era in the late 1990s and early 2000s.
But the ex-WWE Champion’s figure during his glory years in the ring doesn’t compare with the jacked physique he boasts these years.
No wonder he will wrestle at the main event of WrestleMania 40 next month…
Antonio Valencia
Antonio Valencia was one of the best full-backs in the Premier League during his time with Manchester United.
Valencia went on to win two Premier League titles, the 2016 FA Cup, and the 2017 Europa League.
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The Ecuador legend retired in 2021 but it seems like Sir Alex Ferguson’s influence is still present.
The 38-year-old continues to look after himself and it shows with a new muscly physique.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
