Jupp Heynckes has said Toni Kroos’ decision to move to Real Madrid over Manchester United was better for his career.
The former Bayern Munich and Real Madrid manager told sports magazine Kicker that he tried to persuade the 24-year-old to stay at the Allianz Arena but when it became clear Kroos wanted to leave, he advised him to join the Spanish giants.
Since arriving at the Santiago Bernabeu in the summer, off the back of winning the World Cup with Germany, Kroos has slotted into place with ease and has helped Los Blancos to the top of La Liga and the next stage of the Champions League.
Heynckes said Kroos and Madrid are the perfect match for now, and the likes of Gareth Bale and Cristiano Ronaldo would be thrilled to be playing alongside him.
“Right now there is no better footballer in the world in his position and he plays the midfield role so cleverly,” Heynckes said.
“I’d rather he’d stayed at Bayern and I advised him to, but we spoke on the telephone during the World Cup and he told me the move was perfect. For him, on a personal level, it’s another step that suits him.
“The top players like Cristiano Ronaldo, Karim Benzema and Gareth Bale know that they are even better when Toni is in the team.”
