Real Madrid midfielder Toni Kroos said he joined the club because he wanted a change but only decided to sign for Los Blancos after the World Cup final.
The German signed for the 10-time European Cup winners last week in a 20 million euro deal from Bayern Munich, and told fans at his unveiling that he is the man to help the club move them onto greater success this year.
The 24-year-old told the German FA website that he received offers from the biggest clubs in the world but only considered leaving the Allianz Arena when it was clear contract talks with Pep Guariola’s side broke down.
“I wanted a change. The first time I gave it any thought was when contract talks with Bayern hit the buffers. Bayern were always my first contact and that is why I had always ruled out making contact with any other clubs,” the central midfielder said.
And he added: “When we were unable to reach an agreement and several interested clubs, including all of the biggest clubs in the world, approached me, I decided to try out something new. Winning the World Cup then tipped the scales.”
Kroos said he maintains the highest respect for everyone at Bayern Munich and all their fans, and told the German FA website that he picked Madrid because of the challenge of playing for the world’s biggest club.
