Latest news with #ToniKroos
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
'The relationship is simply too close' – Toni Kroos hints at possible return to Real Madrid
Toni Kroos' absence in the Real Madrid first team squad has been massively felt during the first three months of the 2024-25 season, and Carlo Ancelotti is still trying to fill the void that the German midfield maestro vacated during the summer. Kroos shocked many with the announcement that he would be retiring after Euro 2024. In his final season in football, he was arguably one of the best players in the world, so it is perhaps no surprise that Real Madrid are struggling so much in his absence. Advertisement Speaking on the 'Einfach mal luppen' podcast (via Diario AS), Kroos confirmed that he does not rule out returning to Real Madrid in a non-playing capacity, although it will not happen anytime soon. 'The importance of Real Madrid will always be the same for me. It was a stage that was too long, too big, too successful and also full of affection. That will always remain, I will always feel close to Real, there is no doubt about that. And I will always defend Real Madrid, I will always be on their side. That won't change, the relationship is simply too close. 'Placing myself publicly in the Real Madrid environment is something I would say that, at the moment, it is not a relevant issue for me. For now I would say: no, no matter how much I am linked to the club. But I'm not saying that I will never do anything with Real Madrid or have anything to do with the club again, I wouldn't rule that out, of course. In what function, that remains to be seen. But I don't rule out that at some point I could be seen again in some capacity at Real Madrid.' Kroos still lives in Madrid, where he now runs a children's football academy. A return to Real Madrid in the future would make perfect sense, but for now at least, it is not being considered.
Morocco World
3 days ago
- Sport
- Morocco World
Real Madrid Eye Manchester City's Rodri as Midfield Target
Real Madrid are reportedly interested in signing Manchester City midfielder Rodri as they look to strengthen their midfield ahead of the new season. The 29-year-old Spaniard, crowned Ballon d'Or winner last year, has become a central figure for City since joining the club in 2019. He made four appearances and provided one assist in the most recent Club World Cup. Rodri is currently valued at €110 million, according to Transfermarkt. He has made 57 appearances for the Spanish national team, scoring four goals and providing two assists across all competitions. Real Madrid are said to be seeking a long-term replacement for Toni Kroos in midfield, following a shortage of personnel in that area last season. The club sees Rodri as a natural fit. Manchester City are undergoing a period of transition in midfield. Mateo Kovačić is sidelined due to injury, Ilkay Gündoğan's future is uncertain, and new signings Nico González and Tijjani Reijnders are still integrating into the squad. Rodri is under contract at the Etihad until 2027, but no agreement has been reached over an extension. Real Madrid are reportedly ready to offer improved terms, putting Manchester City in an uncomfortable position: either accept the bid and complete one of the most high-profile transfers in European football history, or reject it and risk losing leverage. Tags: manchester cityReal MadridRodri
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Report – Real Madrid Identify Inter Milan & Italy Megastar As Toni Kroos Successor
Real Madrid have reportedly added Inter Milan long-serving stalwart Nicolo Barella to their list of Toni Kroos replacements. According to Spanish news outlet AS via FCInterNews, the diminutive midfielder is one of three potential candidates for the role. Despite his long-term absence due to a nasty knee injury, Manchester City's Rodri remains the top priority. However, convincing Pep Guardiola to give up his talisman could prove rather tricky. Therefore, Los Blancos have set their sights on several other elite stars. Real Madrid Keen to Sign Inter Milan Ace Nicolo Barella Nicolo Barella is one of the names in Florentino Perez's notebook. In addition to the ex-Cagliari midfielder, Alexis Mac Allister and Enzo Fernandez are also in contention. However, all players have long-term contracts and are crucial to their clubs. As such, Real Madrid would likely have to make an irrefutable offer to sign any of them. Faced with the potential loss of Hakan Calhanoglu, Inter probably won't consider bids for Barella.
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
'The best thing is…' – Toni Kroos reflects on Real Madrid retirement decision
It has been over a year since Toni Kroos retired, ending a sensational career at the top of football – and 10 years at Real Madrid. The 35-year-old's decision was heavily questioned at the time, but he continues to stick by it. And when speaking to El Pais, Kroos opened up on his reasoning behind retiring last summer, despite having been off the back of a stellar individual season. 'I spent several months thinking about this, I mean, I didn't get out of bed one morning and suddenly say to myself: 'You have to retire!' No, I matured it very, very much. The previous year I had already thought about retiring, but in the end I decided to renew for another year with Real Madrid, who had insisted a lot. But that didn't change my idea, which was always to retire like this, and luckily I succeeded. Image via Ana Beltran/Reuters 'I wanted to retire at a very high level. I think it's difficult to do better than I did in my last season with Real Madrid. I left after winning La Liga and the Champions League. Goodbye. 'The best thing is to leave it at the top. You leave with a great feeling because you are the one who has made the decision, rather than reacting to being sent to the bench because I wasn't that good anymore or because I wasn't as important for the team, as I was until the end… I preferred to leave myself. I wanted to avoid all that. Neither my coach, nor my family, nor my body were going to tell me when to retire.' Real Madrid were severely affected by Kroos' retirement Kroos has maintained that the decision to retire last summer was right for him, but it had a very big negative effect on Real Madrid, which he has acknowledged himself in recent months. Los Blancos struggled to fill his void during the 2024-25 campaign, and it ultimately led to them failing to win a major honour.
News18
6 days ago
- Sport
- News18
Toni Kroos Receives 'State Order of Merit' As Greifswald Is Renamed 'Krooswald'
Last Updated: German football legend Toni Kroos received a 'State Order of Merit' in his hometown Greifswald, temporarily renamed 'Krooswald'. German football legend Toni Kroos received a 'State Order of Merit' in his hometown Greifswald on Friday. Temporarily, the town's name was changed to 'Krooswald', with signs placed at its entrances. According to a report from Sport1, cited by the ceremony took place at Volksstadion, where the now-retired 35-year-old began his youth career at the age of seven with Greifswalder FC. Kroos retired from professional football following the Euro Championships 2024 last year, where Germany lost to eventual champions Spain in the quarterfinals. He achieved his sixth UEFA Champions League and fourth La Liga title with Real Madrid in the 2023-24 season. Overall, Kroos won 34 major trophies in his football career and earned 114 caps for Germany. He played a crucial role in Germany's 2014 FIFA World Cup-winning team, scoring two goals. The event was attended by his family, locals, and officials, with Minister-President Manuela Schwesig highlighting Kroos's foundation work supporting needy children and families across Germany. Kroos made 463 appearances for Real Madrid, and his retirement last year surprised many. Although his professional career has ended, Kroos participated in the Icon League, a five-a-side tournament featuring retired players. He is expected to remain connected with football through roles in media, coaching, or as an ambassador. Toni Kroos began his senior career at Bayern Munich, making his debut at 17 in 2007. After limited appearances, he was loaned to Bayer Leverkusen, where he impressed before returning to Bayern in 2010. At Bayern, he won three Bundesliga titles, a UEFA Champions League, two DFB-Pokal trophies, and earned three Bundesliga Team of the Season selections. In 2014, Kroos transferred to Real Madrid for €25 million. At Real Madrid, he achieved significant success, winning 22 trophies, including four La Liga and five Champions League titles, with three consecutive European triumphs from 2016 to 2018. He was frequently included in elite teams such as the FIFA FIFPRO World 11 and UEFA Team of the Year. Internationally, Kroos earned 114 caps for Germany, winning the 2014 World Cup and being named to multiple tournament best XI lists. A standout youth player, he retired in 2024, leaving a legacy as one of Germany's greatest midfielders. (With inputs from ANI) view comments First Published: July 18, 2025, 23:23 IST Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
