Happy training everyone as Ronaldo and his teammates all happy now
Toni Kroos criticizes young players who choose money over football in Saudi Arabia
Toni Kroos, who co-hosts the podcast ‘Einfach Mal Luppen’ with his brother Felix, expressed his displeasure with the recent trend of high-profile transfers to the Saudi Pro League, which has seen players such as Cristiano Ronaldo, Karim Benzema, and Neymar join clubs in the Middle East.
Kroos stated that he had no problem with veterans who went to Saudi Arabia for a final paycheck, but he was perplexed by youthful players who passed up the chance to play for top European clubs.
He singled out Celta Vigo prodigy Gabri Veiga, who joined Al-Ahli at age 21 despite interest from Real Madrid and other major clubs.
“At that point, it becomes difficult for the football we all know and adore, and everyone must make that decision for themselves, as Cristiano Ronaldo did near the end of his career. But it becomes very difficult when players in the midst of their careers and with the ability to play for Europe’s best clubs decide to make these changes,” Kroos said in his podcast1.
“Then it’s claimed that going there is a bold sporting decision, but the trutҺ is that it’s all about the money. In the end, it comes down to a choice for the money – and against football. And from there, things become increasingly difficult for the football we all adore.”
Kroos also defended his former colleagues Ronaldo and Benzema, who both left Real Madrid for Al-Nassr and Al-Ittihad, stating that they had earned the right to choose their destination after winning everything with the Spanish giants.
“I don’t care that they’ve won everything, attained legendary status, and accomplished everything, only to let their careers end there,” he said.
Kroos, who is 33 years old, stated that he was not enticed by Saudi Arabia’s lucrative offers and preferred to remain in Europe.
“I have never received an offer from that company, and I don’t believe I ever will. “I am extremely content here, and I do not see myself playing there,” he said.
