If you watched either of Real Madrid’s Spanish Super Cup matches last week, you would have clearly heard the boos being aimed at Toni Kroos. Los Blancos were very well supported in Riyadh, but the German midfielder was undoubtedly the exception.
The reason behind the situation relates to comments made by Kroos earlier in the summer. He took aim at Saudi Arabia over the influx of players joining its league, especially those who are still very young (such as Gabri Veiga).
Kroos discussed the matter on his podcast “Einfach mal Luppen” (via Marca), which he does with brother Felix. The 34-year-old was surprised by the booing, although he admitted that it did not affect him at all.
“It was something new and also exciting. That was a new experience, something I hadn’t had before, but I didn’t want to miss it.
“I didn’t expect it at all, I didn’t even think it was for me. The background is that I don’t think it’s good for young players to come into the league and give up development, big games, high levels in Europe, which they could certainly play, instead of Saudi Arabian league money. That was my statement back then and it was about half a year ago, for me it was already forgotten.
“I noticed the boos at some point during the first half against Barcelona. At first I didn’t think they were referring to me, then I realised, ‘Oh, this is for you, just for you’. I can say, from the bottom of my heart, that it did not bother me or affect my way of playing. On the contrary, it was quite fun.”
It’s good to see that Kroos handled the situation with good grace, and it’s certainly true that he was not affected, as he dropped an excellent performance in the Spanish Super Cup, which Real Madrid would go on to win.
wiwdlmprt
356
How will effect you as long as you are in the Rainbow group. You have no dignity a lady have more respect than you. SHAMELESS human being.
It’s was never about rainbow or any gay stuff so stop lying on Kroos . It was strictly about football issues.
Arash8432
320
kroos is bigger than the whole history of saudi arabia(not just football) and that is why kroos didnt give a damn to them
moaceknu
238
kroos u are not viga's Father or his agent so u better keep your mouth shut
tebciprstu
204
Well I don’t see anything wrong with kroos’s statement. So why the hate on him make everybody rest I’m not a Madrid fan fyi I’m a United fan.
Hyce79
157
As a Barca fan, I stand with Kroos 💯
Segda_10
133
kroos u are not viga's Father or his agent so u better keep your mouth shut
Normally Gabri's father should have sued Kroos for violation of the young lad's freedom of choice
Daniel_Illa
17
His response, "I didn't even think it was for me," reflects not just humility but an unwavering commitment to the game. In a world where athletes are often subjected to intense scrutiny, Kroos' composed reaction is a million-dollar answer. It goes beyond the field; it's a testament to resilience and the ability to rise above negativity. Instead of dwelling on the boos, Kroos chose to focus on the game, embodying the true spirit of sportsmanship. Let's applaud Toni Kroos for his poise and unwavering dedication to the sport. In a moment where emotions could have flared, he chose grace. As fans, we can learn from his example, realizing that in the grand scheme of things, the love for the game should always overshadow the noise. Here's to more athletes like Toni Kroos, elevating the beautiful game on and off the pitch. #ToniKroos #Sportsmanship #FootballSpirit 🙌⚽