Real Madrid star Toni Kroos on Saudi Arabia – “I couldn’t see myself playing there, much less living” | OneFootball

Real Madrid star Toni Kroos never seemed likely to take a pay day in Saudi Arabia, and his outspoken criticism of their human rights abuses made it still less likely. This brought him no shortage of abuse when Los Blancos took part in the Spanish Supercup this season, with his every touch being whistled, but he has showed no sign of softening his stance.

Speaking to Cadena SER, Kroos explained that on some level he enjoyed the role of the heel, and consequently was instrumental in Real Madrid’s victories over Atletico Madrid and Barcelona.

“They love me a little less there. Am I going to miss the whistles? I also enjoyed that a little (laughs). No no. What I’m going to miss is football, the game. I have always said that I wanted to end my career at this club. I’m happy to do it.”

When former Celta Vigo starlet Gabri Veiga made a €35m switch to Al-Ahli, Kroos commented under a post calling it embarassing. However the abuse did not faze him either.

“It didn’t bother me at all. Everyone has their opinion and my opinion has not changed. For me it is not a country where I see myself playing for different reasons that I have already explained before. Neither playing nor living. Much less living less (laughs).”

Kroos announced his upcoming retirement on his podcast Einfach mal Luppen, and has never been afraid of expressing opinions. The 34-year-old does not have the reputation for stirring up controversy, but is comfortable in standing behind his ideas.