Real Madrid midfield man Toni Kroos has pledged his allegiance to his club and has sworn he would never join arch rivals Barcelona. The German has been vital to Real Madrid’s style of play in the middle of the park.
He and Luka Modric have found a balance with their impeccable chemistry and rotation of roles when required. Kroos has had a few injury problems this season but signed a new contract that will keep him at the club until 2022.
Kroos was asked if he would ever switch to the Catalans and he gave the answer that was expected of him. Speaking to Kicker he said,"I do not envisage going to Barcelona, There are certain transfers you simply don't do.”
The German also spoke about retirement from football. His compatriots in Phillipe Lahm and Per Mertesacker retired quite early from international football and it is a practice that might continue with Kroos as well.
“This has a lot to do with respect. Respect for tradition and the fans.I will have reached 32 at the end of the contract. I do not forecast playing until 38 or 39. At 32 one has already given his best years in football and as for physically it seems a good age to quit, but I do not want to commit to what might happen between now and six years' time.”
"Real Madrid is my club. In the last two-and-a-half years I have grown in a sporting sense and personally. From the first day I found a positive response from team-mates, fans and coaches."
El Clasico could decide the title
Kroos will be set to play the first El Clasico of the season at the Camp Nou. Real Madrid are currently top of the table after their win against Sporting Gijon on Saturday. Barcelona slipped up once again after a 1-1 draw away to Real Sociedad, a ground they haven’t won at in many years.
Los Blancos will be without Gareth Bale for at least 3 months after he suffered an ankle injury during the Champions League. But looking at Barcelona’s form they might not need him this weekend.
If Real Madrid come away with a win against the Catalans it could spell the end of Barcelona’s title hopes. Given the circumstances of last season’s title challenge you could never rule out a comeback but it would take something similar to haul them back into the race.
