"We have to thank Kroos for everything he has done for Madrid"

Toni Kroos' retirement has provoked reactions from many of his teammates and former teammates. Iker Casillas was not to be outdone and spoke about it to the media at a charity paddle tennis tournament against breast cancer organised by the Menorca Clinic Foundation.

"I wish him all the best and thank him for everything he has done for Real Madrid. He arrived very quietly, with hardly any of the recognition that he has today at world level", he said about his time as a 'merengue'.

 On the other hand, he affirmed that he has earned "a privileged place" in Real Madrid and that he has been a "very important" man for the club. The former Spanish goalkeeper coincided with the German for one season, in 2014-15.

As to whether it had been a surprise for him, he said: "A little bit yes. He can still play football. Every game you watch him you're happy that a player with that prestige and that seniority continues, it's similar to the case of Modric. It's a shame for football, but if he's leaving it's because he thinks it's the right thing to do".

"We are going to talk about Kroos leaving. Cristiano, Ramos, Casillas, Raul... have left. Thousands of important players have left and in the end Madrid are still on the right track," he said.

The Spaniard also had time to give his views on the Champions League final: "Let's hope that Kroos can say goodbye with another one. Everyone says Madrid are favourites, they are, but finals are very complicated".

May 21, 2024