Real Madrid legend Toni Kroos has slammed Cristiano Ronaldo and fellow players that have made the switch to the Saudi Pro League this year, branding them ‘against football’ and only following money.
Former teammate Ronaldo started the movement when he joined Al-Nassr in January, but he has since been joined by plenty of high-profile players, with the likes of Ruben Neves, Edouard Mendy, Riyad Mahrez and Fabinho all heading to the middle east to play for different sides.
They aren’t finished yet either, with a week left in the transfer window for Saudi Arabian sides and the likes of Mo Salah still amog high profile targets, with Al Ittihad thought to be preparing a £200m bid for the Egyptian. Given Liverpool’s inability to replace their talisman, it is almost certain to be rejected but it is a clear sign of the ambition of the division.
Despite this, Kroos is not a fan, and revealed that for him, the human rights issues of the country would be a major stumbling block in any opportunity for him to head to Saudi.
“It has been said that ambitious football is played there, but everything revolves around money. In the end, it is a decision for money and against football”, he told Spanish outlet AS.
“That’s when it starts to be difficult for the football we all know and love,”
