Germany international Toni Kroos has acknowledged that Bayern Munich made a mistake to sanction his sale to Real Madrid five years ago. The 29-year-old parted ways with the Bundesliga champions shortly after winning the World Cup with Germany and he has since enjoyed plenty of success with three Champions League titles and one La Liga crown under his name.
Speaking to Goal.com, Kroos said that Bayern made a mistake to sell him to Los Blancos during the summer of 2014 and he is pleased that the club’s president Uli Hoeness has acknowledged the fact, he told: “For me, it was already clear at the time of the transfer that Bayern made a mistake with my sale. It’s true that [Bayern president] Uli Hoeness has made it public of late – and it’s a testament to his greatness that he addresses it that way.”
Meanwhile, Kroos added that he had intentionally signed a four-year deal with the former European champions and he has plans to retire thereafter rather than pursuing a challenge in the US, China or Qatar, he continued: “I deliberately chose the end of the term in 2023,” he added. “Thirty-three could be a good age to retire, but then I also have the opportunity to decide whether or not to do something else I can already rule out playing in the US, China or Qatar.”
Los Blancos had a forgettable 2018/19 season where they went without a major trophy and Kroos was one of those criticised for the performance. Nonetheless, the club decided to reward him with a fresh four-year deal at the end of the campaign and he is expected to remain a dominant force under Zinedine Zidane next term. The Capital outfit have been ultra-active for the summer with five signings and Eden Hazard has been the most high-profile of the lot.