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Real Madrid legend Toni Kroos revealed he was in talks to join Manchester United but the discussions fell through at the last minute. The German midfielder recalled how he was close to joining the Red Devils before Real Madrid swooped to sign him from Bayern Munich.
Toni Kroos ended an 8-year association with Bayern Munich when he signed for Real Madrid in 2014. He joined their youth system in 2006 as a 16-year-old and came through the ranks to make his first team debut next season where he set up two goals for Miroslav Klose.
In 2014, the German midfielder was on the verge of signing for Premier League giants Manchester United and even had a meeting with then-manager David Moyes. However, a change in manager at Old Trafford saw his move to England break down.
In the weekly podcast he hosts with his brother, Felix, he revealed that the appointment of Dutchman Louis van Gaal scuppered the move to Manchester.
"Manchester United fired David Moyes when he wsa negotiating with Bayern for me. Then they appointed Louis van Gaal and we both decided to stop the transfer," Kroos said (via @theMadridZone).
After the transfer to United broke down, La Liga giants Real Madrid swooped in to sign Toni Kroos. The German was an ever-present for Los Blancos till his retirement this summer during a hugely successful period for the club.
Kroos formed a formidable midfield partnership with Luka Modric and Casemiro as Real Madrid reinstated themselves as the kings of Europe. In ten seasons at Real Madrid, Kroos made 465 appearances for the club across all competitions. He lifted 23 trophies, including five Champions League titles before calling time on his playing career after the 2024 Euros.
"Manchester United would not have won the Champions League three times" - Toni Kroos
During his playing career, Kroos had touched upon his failed move to Old Trafford. Speaking to GQ back in 2019, Kroos said that he had no regrets over the transfer, claiming that the Red Devils wouldn't have won three Champions League titles.
"One thing I can say for sure: Manchester United would not have won the Champions League three times," Kroos said back in 2019.
He hinted at there not being a clear idea at Manchester United, which saw him move to Real Madrid, instead.
"Manchester United is not a club you go to for a short while. Manchester United is too big for a year or two. This is not a club to end your career. Since both the player and the club must have a clear idea - I signed with Real Madrid until 2023," the midfielder said.
Toni Kroos, who retired in the summer, is currently living in Madrid. During his career with Bayern Munich and Real Madrid, the 34-year-old won seven league titles and six Champions Leagues. The midfielder, who is considered one of the best to have played the sport, also attained World Cup glory in 2014 with Germany.
