Toni Kroos opens up on failed Manchester United transfer
Former Real Madrid midfielder has retired from football
Toni Kroos has revealed that he came close to joining Manchester United before a late twist saw him sign for Real Madrid instead.
The German international had agreed terms with United during David Moyes’ tenure as manager, with the deal appearing to be all but finalized.
However, just as negotiations were progressing, Moyes was sacked and replaced by Louis van Gaal.
Under the new management, United decided not to pursue Kroos further, prompting the midfielder to explore other options.
Shortly after, Real Madrid swooped in to secure his signature from Bayern Munich.
In an interview with SPORT1, Kroos said: “In 2014, before I signed with Real Madrid, I had already agreed with Manchester United.
“That would have been a move from Bayern to United.
“But then they kicked out David Moyes, who I was still sitting on my couch with in Munich and hired Louis van Gaal.
“Then we both declined with thanks.”
As negotiations with Manchester United broke down, Real Madrid seized the opportunity.
The allure of the Santiago Bernabéu, coupled with Carlo Ancelotti’s leadership, drew him to the Spanish capital.
There, he would go on to write one of the most successful chapters in the club’s storied history
“The World Cup started, and Ancelotti got in touch – that was it,” Kroos explained.
Toni Kroos enjoyed a glittering career in the Spanish capital, winning five Champions League titles with Real Madrid.
Alongside his European triumphs, he also claimed five FIFA Club World Cups, four UEFA Super Cups, four La Liga titles, one Copa del Rey, and four Spanish Super Cups.
Kroos’ pivotal role in Madrid’s midfield, where he formed an iconic partnership with Luka Modric and Casemiro, was central to the club’s dominance of European football over the past decade.
His precision passing, composure, and tactical intelligence made him one of the most reliable midfielders in world football.
After a decade of unparalleled success at Madrid, Kroos retired from professional football following Germany’s elimination from Euro 2024.
In his absence, Real Madrid have turned to a new generation of midfield talent, with Federico Valverde, Eduardo Camavinga, and Aurelien Tchouameni stepping up to fill the void left by the German maestro.
Real Madrid will return to action against Atletico Madrid on Sunday in a much-anticipated La Liga fixture.
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