Toni Kroos explained why he has never criticised Cristiano Ronaldo for moving to the Saudi Pro League.
Last year Kroos was deeply critical of Celta Vigo starlet Gabri Veiga, then regarded as one of the brightest prospects in Europe, after he agreed to join Saudi side Al-Ahli over Europe’s elite sides.
Kroos labelled the transfer as “embarrassing” on Instagram.
The German, who retired this summer after winning his sixth Champions League, has since clarified that he does not believe young players should move to the Saudi Pro League.
When asked by the Athletic’s Mario Cortegana why he was disapproving of Veiga’s move but silent over the transfers of former team-mates Nacho or Joselu to Saudi Arabia, Kroos said: “You see the difference in these examples, someone who won Champions League titles and is closer to the end of his career is different to someone who leaves at 21.
“Going so young takes you away from being a good player and winning titles if you go so early.
That’s the difference.
“I’m not a fan of anyone going there. But it’s different if you go like Nacho or Cristiano Ronaldo, at the end of their careers who have done everything, are legends at Madrid and in Europe.”
Kroos clarified his position on his podcast Einfach mal Luppen last year.
He said: “What I have a problem with are the 26, 27, 28-year-olds, who have absolutely top quality, play in top clubs in Europe and have the chance to achieve that in the next three or four years what others who are going there have already achieved. I’m not a fan of that.
“It’s an incredibly bad example for a lot of young youth players that the motivation is money. I think it’s a pity for everyone who puts sporting thoughts to the back of their minds in the absolute top football age.
“That’s just not a good role model for me and a danger for the football of the future.”