Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti has praised the courage of Toni Kroos, who has decided to retire at the age of 34, despite clearly still having plenty of energy to continue playing as much as possible high level.
“ Veteran players, legends, must choose their destiny », explained Ancelotti. “ Toni made this decision and we must respect it. We must say goodbye to him as best we can. I respect his decision, it’s that of a man with balls, it’s reality. Replacing someone like him is almost impossible, but this team has the resources in young people to take responsibility and follow the path set out over the last ten years.”
However, he was optimistic about the future, even without Kroos, believing that the key to Real Madrid’s continued success was the atmosphere in the dressing room. “Every year they lose players, but they don’t lose the atmosphere, the attitude and the commitment, they have to maintain the same clean environment. It depends on each person, but I don’t think it was a complicated decision for him.”
Kroos, Ancelotti’s tribute
Ancelotti was asked if he tried to change Kroos’ mind about his decision. “ We discussed it. He was convinced. Saying goodbye this way would be ideal. You have to have the courage to do it and I have a lot of respect for what he did.”
As for his replacement, the Italian is just as perplexed as us, even if he has qualities to put forward to replace him. “ A player of his technical quality is very difficult to find, that’s not what we think of. We are thinking of preparing for the final to win it. Trying to change his mind wasn’t easy. There were no tears. »
Part of the reason he is so difficult to replace is because of his uniqueness, something Ancelotti also found words for. “ Very high and very continuous performance, without drop in speed. He is one of the few who knows how to manage playing time with possession of the ball. His passing success is unique. He has brought a lot to football, he is one of the best midfielders in the history of the game.”
