Real Madrid News
Real Madrid icon hits out at Saudi Arabia transfers: “It’s all about the money”
Toni Kroos has long been revered as Real Madrid’s orchestrator in midfield, gaining an unprecedented amount of significance since he arrived from Bayern Munich in 2014.
The German, who is closing in on completing ten years at Real Madrid, is known to speak his mind and has once again lashed out against Saudi America and the recent trend of footballers choosing to move to the oil-rich nation.
No chance of a move to Saudi
Earlier this month, Kroos commented “embarrassing” on his social media accounts upon the announcement of Gabri Veiga’s signing with Al-Ahli, and he clarified his stance in an interview with Sports Illustrated via Mundo Deportivo.
Following in the footsteps of players like Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema, among others, several other big names have made the switch to Saudi Arabia, with the likes of Neymar, Sadio Mane, Sergej Milinkovic-Savic, Kalidou Koulibaly, Ruben Neves being some of the names.
“It’s complicated when players who are in the middle of their careers and who have the quality to play for the big clubs in Europe decide to opt for such transfers,” Kroos said.
“They say it’s ambitious football when it’s all about the money. From that point on, it is difficult for the football we all know and love,” he added.
The biggest deterrent for the German would simply be the lack of human rights, and he has already previously claimed that money would never be the motive for him, even showing acceptance of a salary cut if need be.
Madridista through and through
The 33-year-old made the decision to continue at Real Madrid this year after it was heavily reported that Kroos would be willing to hang up his boots.
Now that he is set to complete a decade with the club, Kroos said: “It’s a special milestone for me, especially because it’s been nine years since I’ve played anywhere else, but at a very special club. At Madrid, you have to constantly meet the highest standards.”
Kroos further stated: “In the first few years I was thinking: ‘This is a nice adventure in Madrid’, and at the same time you are thinking about when you will return to Germany because it’s your country and your family is there.
“But life in Madrid is generally pleasant and we have accommodated everything to our liking.”
Real Madrid News
Real Madrid full-back never considered summer exit, would retire at club if given chance
Ferland Mendy finds himself in a difficult situation at Real Madrid. The Frenchman has struggled with injury and fitness woes for a large part of the past year, leading to doubts over his future at the club.
In fact, it had been reported that Los Blancos were considering selling Mendy during the summer transfer window earlier this year itself.
But, such a move did not materialise and the 28-year-old has stayed put at the Santiago Bernabeu although reports suggest that he is likely to be on the move next year.
Mendy would retire at Real Madrid if he could
Despite there having been numerous reports about his future in the summer, The Athletic reports that Mendy did not consider the possibility of an exit at any point.
In fact, the report adds that if given a chance, the 28-year-old defender would retire at Real Madrid.
Mendy’s contract with Los Merengues expires in 2025 and he is understood to be seeking a renewal for a while now, but there has been no move made by the club.
The injuries that the 28-year-old has picked up are understood to be a major deterrent for Real Madrid, which is why they are already looking to reinforce the left-back position with Alphonso Davies next year.
Mendy enjoys Ancelotti’s trust
Despite the non-stop speculations surrounding him, Mendy continues to enjoy the full trust of manager Carlo Ancelotti.
Indeed, as per the report, the Italian tactician has informed the Frenchman that he is the left-back that best fits the defensive requirements needed in the team.
Ancelotti’s decision to bench Fran Garcia in the UEFA Champions League game even though Mendy was unavailable and start David Alaba at left-back was taken as an indicator within the dressing room that the Frenchman remains the first-choice in the position.
So, it remains to be seen how the situation unfolds over the coming months, especially with Ancelotti’s future also uncertain as his contract expires in 2024.
