Toni Kroos claims to have found boos in Saudi Arabia “funny”, with the Real Madrid star having previously questioned transfers to the Middle East.

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German midfielder subjected to terrace tauntsTurned a deaf ear to any detractorsHelped Blancos to another major trophyGettyWHAT HAPPENED?

The World Cup-winning midfielder found himself subjected to terrace taunts during a bid for Supercopa glory. Kroos proved to be no fan favourite as he helped the Blancos past Madrid neighbours Atletico and Clasico foes Barcelona, with another major trophy added to his collection.

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Kroos is experienced enough to not let abuse from the stands get to him, with the 34-year-old initially confused as to who the jeers were for. He has told : “I didn't expect it at all, I didn't even think it was for me. The background is that I don't think it's good for young players to come into the league and give up the development, the big games, the high levels in Europe, which they could certainly play, instead of the money in the Saudi Arabian league. That was my statement at the time and it was about half a year ago now, for me it was already forgotten.

"I noticed [booing] at some point during the first half [against Atletico]. At first, I didn't think they were referring to me. Then I looked at the fans and realised: 'Oh, this is for you…just for you.' I can say, from the bottom of my heart, that it didn't bother me or affect my way of playing, on the contrary, it was quite funny. I thought from time to time, who will be able to endure more. With time it could become boring and in the final I noticed that there were less and less of them [booing]. When [Carlo Ancelotti] replaced me, everyone pulled themselves together again and gathered all their strength [to boo me]. You get used to it and it makes you smile. The booing confirms my statements, I was probably right.”

GettyTHE BIGGER PICTURE

Kroos has asked questions of those moving to the Saudi Pro League in order to line their pockets, saying in 2023: “In the end, it is a decision for money and against football. Everyone has to make that decision for themselves, as Cristiano Ronaldo, who decided to do it towards the end of his career. But it becomes very difficult when players, who are in the middle of their career and have the quality to play for the best clubs in Europe, decide to make those changes. The lack of human rights is what would prevent me from leaving.”

WHAT NEXT FOR KROOS?

Kroos has another decision to make on his own future in the coming weeks, with his contract running down at Santiago Bernabeu. There have been suggestions that he could head into retirement, but the classy playmaker is showing no sign of slowing down at the very highest level.