Toni Kroos feels vindicated for views on Saudi Arabia after being booed

Real Madrid midfielder Toni Kroos maintained his criticism of players moving to Saudi Arabia, due to the human rights situation in the country. The German player was booed and whistled after Real Madrid won the Spanish Super Cup tournament in January, which was held in Saudi Arabia. Speaking in Leipzig ahead of the club’s Champions League last-16 first leg, Kroos was asked what he thought of the response of the Saudi Arabian fans. Also Read | Why football stars want to leave Saudi Arabia?

Saudi fans loudly boo German Toni Kroos, Real Madrid player, against Atletico Madrid in the Spanish Super Cup in Riyadh. Kroos had previously strongly attacked and criticised Saudi Arabia and confirmed his refusal to play there. #SpanishSuperCup #RealMadridAtletico pic.twitter.com/fUkmSAkbb9

— Mohamed Alkaoud _محمد القاعود (@melkaaoud) January 11, 2024

“For me it was a confirmation that I said everything right in the interviews,” the 34-year-old said on Monday. In 2023, Kroos had told Sports Illustrated that the human rights situation in the country was “the one thing that would stop me from making such a change”. “People say they play ambitious football there, but it’s all about the money”. “It’s a decision for the money and against football, and from there things start to get difficult for the football we know and love.” Several big-name players moved to the Saudi league in the summer, including Kroos’ former teammates Karim Benzema and Cristiano Ronaldo. Liverpool midfielder Jordan Henderson, who was criticised for the move, has since returned, signing with Ajax. Kroos, whose deal in Madrid expires in the summer, said he was still undecided whether to continue, but revealed “I have always said I want to end my career at the highest level.” The midfielder also addressed speculation he could return to the national team for Euro 2024, to be held on home soil. “All I can say is that I haven’t made a decision yet. it depends on many things, how I feel, how the season goes, and the plans that I have.” The 2024 World Cup winner had stepped away from the international arena in 2021. Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti said Kroos returning for the Euros “could work well” but told reporters “he needs to make the decision and we need to respect it.” “His performances this season have been simply fantastic. He always shows his quality. “He doesn’t have dips in form, he’s not up and down. He’s a player who should end his career on a high.”