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Toni Kroos praised Luka Modrić in a new interview but also subtly suggested the Croatian should have stepped aside earlier instead of settling for a bench role at Real Madrid.
Toni Kroos has offered a deeply personal and somewhat bittersweet tribute to Luka Modrić, as the two legendary midfielders prepare to go their separate ways following a historic era at Real Madrid.
In a revealing interview with Gazzetta dello Sport, Kroos reflected on the end of his own career and the final chapter of Modrić’s at Madrid. While he praised his longtime teammate, he also delivered a comment that many saw as a subtle critique.
“I always thought about ending my career at the top,” said Kroos. “My last season was one of my best. I didn’t want to be in a position where I played less, sat on the bench, and lived with pain.”
The statement appeared to contrast Kroos’ graceful exit with Modrić’s decision to remain at Real despite a reduced role. The 38-year-old Croatian accepted being benched more often, hoping to contribute in any way possible. Ultimately, Madrid chose not to extend his contract, and Modrić is now expected to sign for AC Milan as a free agent.
While some took Kroos' remark as a veiled jab, the German quickly pivoted to admiration:
“He’s always been special. He’ll never lose his quality, even if his physical level changes. At 40, he can still help any team.”
Modrić joined Real Madrid in 2012 and has played over a decade at the club, winning six Champions League titles, four La Liga trophies, and the Ballon d'Or in 2018. Together with Kroos and Casemiro, they formed a legendary midfield trio that shaped Real’s dominance in Europe.
Across 334 matches, Modrić and Kroos shared the pitch, orchestrating countless victories. Kroos himself retired last summer at the age of 35, boasting six Champions League medals—five with Madrid and one with Bayern—as well as the 2014 World Cup title with Germany.
Kroos also praised the growth of Serie A, where Modrić is headed:
“Italian teams are returning to high levels. The progress is obvious. For several years now, they've been showing they can keep up with Europe’s best.”
As Modrić prepares for his final games in the Club World Cup in the USA, fans around the globe are preparing to say goodbye to one of the last true midfield artists of the modern era.
The duo’s legacy is secure—an era of elegance, dominance, and unmatched football IQ that won’t be easily replicated.