Saudi Arabia attracted numerous professionals from Europe to the desert this summer with its enormous financial power. Among other things, changed Neymar at Al-Hilal as well as Karim Benzema to Al-Ittihad. The two stars followed suit Cristiano Ronaldowith which the transfer offensive began in January.
Also Toni Kroos was on the list of potential targets. “There was no specific offer, but the possibility would certainly have existed if it had been investigated,” revealed the 33-year-old in his podcast Simply mal Luppen and explained: “There was at least a loose attempt to make contact.”
Although the midfielder didn’t reciprocate the attempt, he showed some sympathy for two ex-teammates who have opted for a move to Saudi Arabia. “Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema have won everything, have legendary status, achieved everything and then let their careers run out there and take this incredible money with them again,” said the ex-national player.
On the other hand, he could not understand younger actors. He is not a fan of the “26, 27, 28-year-olds who have absolutely top quality” and scale back their sporting aspirations because of the money.
“That is the real problem of development in football”
This category certainly includes Neymar, Ruben Neves but also the 29-year-old ex-Liverpooler Fabinho.
“That’s also the real problem with the development in football, when at that age you only decide on money,” explained Kroos.
These players are not role models and represent “a threat to football of the future”.
2023-08-23 22:04:31
#threat #football #future
