Toni Kroos at a presser before the UCL clash vs RB Leipzig (Credit: X)
Kroos was recently jeered by the crowds in Riyadh during his appearance for Los Blancos in the final of the Spanish Super Cup against Atletico Madrid when Real ultimately took home the trophy.
The platform of sports being used to wash away the sins of one is not a new occurrence whatsoever, and despite their best efforts, the truth always finds its way out through those who truly pay attention to what unfolds.
That has been the case with Real Madrid midfield maestro Toni Kroos who once again doubled down on his criticism of players moving to the Saudi Pro League.
Kroos was recently jeered by the crowds in Riyadh during his appearance for Los Blancos in the final of the Spanish Super Cup against Atletico Madrid when Real ultimately took home the trophy.
Recently at a presser prior to Real Madrid’s clash against RB Leipzig in the UEFA Champions League, when asked about the response he received in Riyadh, Kroos maintained firm belief in his prior statements.
“For me it was a confirmation that I said everything right in the interviews,” Kroos exclaimed on Monday.
This is not the first time that the German midfielder has voiced his concerns regarding the same. Kroos has always been outspoken about his disdain for the Saudi League and the players who take their talents to Saudi Arabia.
In an interview with Sports Illustrated back in 2023, the German stated that the human rights situation in the country was “the one thing that would stop me from making such a change”.
“People say they play ambitious football there, but it’s all about the money.
“It’s a decision for the money and against football, and from there things start to get difficult for the football we know and love,” claimed the 34-year-old.
Despite major backlash from the international community, the Saudi Pro League continues to plunder and attract marquee European talents.
From the biggest of stars such as Cristiano Ronaldo, Karim Benzema and N’golo Kante to star talents such as Allan Saint-Maximin, Franck Kessie, Merih Derimal, Jota, Gabri Veiga, and Ruben Neves, Pro League attracted all those who gave up their European careers to leave for Saudi Arabia.
All that the Saudi world has done in the world of sport as a whole has been in its best interest to utilise the sacred name of sport as a weapon of socio-political influence. As a means to not rectify their wrongs but rather wash over them. A clear-cut case of greed and sportswashing at its finest.
