Toni Kroos says he made 'right choice' picking Real Madrid over Manchester United

The German World Cup winner said his choice of club helped him in his development as a player.

Toni Kroos
Reuters

Real Madrid star Toni Kroos insists he was right to snub a move to Manchester United in the summer of 2014.

The German international left Bayern Munich and sealed a switch to the Bernabeu for a reported fee of £20m, just weeks after winning the World Cup in Brazil. He overlooked interest from a United side that were then managed by Louis van Gaal.

Also read: 'No longer the strongest in Germany' says interim manager Willy Sagnol about Bayern Munich

Kroos was once a wanted man at Old Trafford, with United going gung-ho in trying to get his signature the previous season also. David Moyes had identified Kroos as his key target for the summer.

His successor, Dutch manager van Gaal had also expressed interest at signing the World Cup winner, but Kroos had only one team in mind. And two Champions Leagues and one La Liga title later, he's adamant that he made the right choice, as per the Mirror.

Speaking before Germany's World Cup qualifiers with Northern Ireland and Azerbaijan this week, he said: "My change of team was correct, in fact, from my point of view there is no doubt about it.

"Clearly, if you go abroad to a top club, it means one more step in your development. Carlo Ancelotti wanted me in Madrid, and had bet on me."

Kroos has blossomed since, and credits current boss Zinedine Zidane with helping him develop and become one of the main men in the Spanish capital since his move three years ago. He has won two back-to-back Champions League since being there and a mainstay in the side since the Frenchman took over.

And the 27-year-old was quick to sing the praises of his French boss for letting him shine in the Real midfield. Kroos also outlined the pressures that playing for Madrid brings.

"From the beginning, he (Zidane) gave me a lot of confidence," he said, "and in his two years he's played me in almost every game, especially in the big games.

"Trust me, I will always try to give everything for the team. We have a good relationship. A friendly relationship with the coach is important for each player."

"Before leaving I was seen as a good player, perhaps as a very good player, but as one of the many players that Bayern had. But if you play as a Real footballer you get even more attention. Maybe that part from the fans I do not like so much."

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