BARACK Obama appeared to gaze into the eyes of Angela Merkel yesterday before hailing her as “an outstanding partner”.

The outgoing US President said if he were German he might support her if she runs for a fourth term.

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At a Berlin press conference, Obama made a phone gesture and smiled and winked at journalists as Ms Merkel said of the end of their eight-year working relationship: “The parting is hard for me.”

Praising her integrity and core values, Obama added: "I wish I could be there to lighten her load somewhat, but she is tough."

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Obama said Merkel, who has been in power since 2005, would face a number of "big burdens" if she were to run to become Germany's chancellor again.

The leader, who may decide to stand again, said she would announce her decision at the appropriate moment, but said "that is not today".

Merkel is expected to reveal whether she will run for Chancellor again next year on Sunday, the reports.

While aides close to her say she is gravitating towards another run, one lawmaker from her party this week told she will definitely be putting herself forward.

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Meanwhile, defeated US presidential candidate Hillary Clinton looked shattered at a Washington gala.

She admitted wanting to “curl up at home” after being crushed by Republican Donald Trump.

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