Reports: Adidas Drops Mesut Ozil

Following his declining profile in football and his controversial relationship with the president of Turkey, Arsenal superstar Mesut Ozil has reportedly been dumped by adidas.

According to the Daily Mail, the super brand has decided to terminate its contract with the former Germany international after a seven-year relationship.

It is claimed that Ozil's decreasing status in football contributed to adidas' decision, as has his relations with Turkey president Recep Tayyip Erdogan, who was the best man at his wedding.

It is said that the midfielder's early retirement from international football also did not please the brand, especially as his decision was made after a fallout with the German Football Association.

1) Cristiano Ronaldo (Juventus) – $105 million

14) Sergio Ramos (Real Madrid) – $21.8 million

13) Gareth Bale (Real Madrid) – $25.2 million

12) Alexis Sanchez (Manchester United/Inter MIlan) – $25.6 million

11) David De Gea (Manchester United) – $25.7 million

10) Antoine Griezmann (FC Barcelona) – $26.7 million

9) Oscar (Guanghzou Evergrande) – $27.5 million

8) Paul Pogba (Manchester United) – $28.5 million

7) Mesut Ozil (Arsenal) – $28.7 million

6) Andres Iniesta (Vissel Kobe) – $29.6 million

5) Kylian Mbappe (Paris Saint-Germain) – $33.8 million

4) Mohamed Salah (Liverpool) – $35.1 million

3) Neymar (Paris Saint-Germain) – $95.5 million

2) Lionel Messi (FC Barcelona) – $104 million

Ozil reportedly signed a £22 million (R468 million) contract with adidas in 2013, and will not be given an extension on that deal, which expires this month.

The Arsenal player is believed to be looking into launching his own brand while he is still active, as revealed recently by his agent Dr Erkut Sogut.

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