Toni Kroos took a brutal swipe at his former Real Madrid team-mate Eden Hazard on Wednesday, claiming that the £400,000-per-week star 'let his career die' at the Bernabeu.
The LaLiga giants, who signed Hazard for £88m from Chelsea in 2019, called an end to the Belgian's woeful four-year spell in Madrid and opted to rip up his contract early last week.
After failing to make an impact in the Spanish capital Hazard is now reportedly considering retirement at 32, having already called time on his international career in the wake of Belgium's miserable 2022 World Cup campaign.
Kroos, who has racked up three LaLiga titles and four Champions League trophies during his nine-year spell at Real Madrid, appeared to reference the Belgian flop while firing a warning to Jude Bellingham after his stunning six-year move to the Bernabeu was confirmed on Wednesday.
It is understood Bellingham's transfer from Borussia Dortmund will guarantee the Bundesliga giants £88.5m - a fee similar to the amount Madrid paid for Hazard's in 2019 - but will rise to £113.5m after the midfielder completes an achievable set of performance-related add-ons.
Although 'positive' over the England international's arrival, Kroos warned that a big-money signing has already 'let their career die' at Real Madrid.
'We had another player who came for a lot of money and basically let his career die,' he insisted on his podcast Einfach mal Luppen.
'It was a lot of money, I think everyone would say that wasn't a good transfer. But let's be positive.'
During his four injury-plagued seasons at the Bernabeu, Hazard netted a mere seven goals in 76 appearances for the Spanish giants.
Meanwhile, it is understood Bellingham will be unveiled at a presentation ceremony in Madrid on Thursday and will subsequently appear in front of the media.
After the move was confirmed, Bellingham was quickly welcomed to the club by Real star Vinicius Jr who tweeted: 'Welcome to the best team in the world, @BellinghamJude.'
The 19-year-old - who is viewed as a complete midfielder - moved to Borussia Dortmund from Birmingham in 2020 at the age of 16.
Bellingham is therefore used to living abroad and his family have already begun the process of ensuring he will settle in Madrid.
darkxiao
521
Kross will become football pundit after he retire for sure 😂😂
yuudmnstyz
420
Kroos' evaluation of Hazard is totally insane and inhumane. Hazard for seasons were plagued by injuries, and when he recovered, he landed in Carlo Ancellotti's hand, his greatest nightmare who barely give him time to play in those two seasons. So, how do you think Hazard who'd managed to turn his situation around when he was maltreated and degraded by the coach? Kroos it is about time you use your brain before analysing
FuhTerryngwa
282
Kroos, the guys always says it as it is
Dihcdtyz
275
Kroos was one of the reasons Hazard flop,he always don’t want to pass him the ball 😒😒
ManUtdAmadDialo
215
At first i used to confuse his open mind with arrogance. But then i realized how his personality Nd nature is. Kroos is a type of person who doesn't beat around the bush, he'll tell it to you right in your face