Latest news with #Kroos
Yahoo
29-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Kroos Endorses Wirtz Amid Liverpool Transfer Links
Liverpool Move for Wirtz Endorsed by Kroos Kroos offers insight into Wirtz's future amid Anfield rumours Liverpool's pursuit of Florian Wirtz has taken a fresh twist following comments from one of Germany's most celebrated midfielders. Toni Kroos, who recently retired from professional football after a glittering career with Real Madrid and Germany, has publicly given his backing to Wirtz, should the youngster opt for a move to Anfield. Advertisement Speaking during the Icon League indoor football event, Kroos addressed the speculation surrounding Wirtz and his potential transfer: 'If he thinks that's the best next step for him and his career, then that's good,' said the 34-year-old, via 'You can technically only judge decisions like this afterwards, of course.' With Wirtz emerging as one of the most sought-after young talents in Europe, Liverpool are reportedly leading the race for his signature. However, negotiations with Bayer Leverkusen are expected to be anything but straightforward. Leverkusen firm on valuation despite Liverpool bid Wirtz, still just 21, is said to be the subject of a €100 million bid from Liverpool. Yet Bayer Leverkusen are believed to be holding out for a figure closer to €130 million. Such a valuation underlines the club's determination to hold onto their prized asset unless a substantial offer is placed on the table. Advertisement Adding a further twist to the ongoing saga are reports suggesting that Darwin Núñez could be included in a possible swap deal. If the Uruguayan forward were to head to Leverkusen, it would significantly alter the financial equation and potentially accelerate negotiations. The inclusion of Núñez would offer both clubs a fresh attacking dynamic, although such a high-profile exchange would require careful consideration from both sporting and financial perspectives. Kroos reflects on Wirtz's top-club readiness Kroos is well positioned to speak on Wirtz's career trajectory. The veteran midfielder previously spent time on loan at Leverkusen before establishing himself at Bayern Munich and later Real Madrid. His understanding of the environment Wirtz currently operates in lends credence to his remarks. Advertisement 'He is a player who can prevail at any club in the world in my opinion,' Kroos added. 'It doesn't matter if it would've been Bayern or Liverpool… he has all the tools to assert himself at any given top club.' This is high praise from a player who has operated at the highest levels of club and international football, winning multiple UEFA Champions League titles and a World Cup. Photo: IMAGO Slot era set for defining first transfer move Incoming Liverpool manager Arne Slot is expected to play a central role in shaping the club's transfer strategy this summer. The Dutchman will be keen to put his own stamp on the squad and securing a talent like Wirtz would represent a major statement of intent. Advertisement The Bayer Leverkusen sporting director has already gone on record confirming Liverpool's 'concrete interest' in the midfielder, reinforcing the seriousness of their pursuit. With pre-season on the horizon, the Reds will be eager to finalise any major additions in good time. Wirtz's technical ability, vision and creativity would make him an ideal fit for Slot's dynamic style. But his adaptability to Premier League intensity will be a decisive factor. For now, all eyes remain on Liverpool as they navigate one of the summer's most intriguing transfer narratives.
Yahoo
22-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Luka Modrić to leave Real Madrid, Twitter reacts to the news 💥
This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇫🇷 here. Luka Modrić will no longer be a player for Real Madrid next season. A news that has caused a lot of reactions from internet users as well as many big names in the football world. We offer you a small anthology of the best tweets published since the announcement. 📸 — Real France (@realfrance_fr) May 22, 2025 Fort au foot, longévité et respectueux Ciao Modric 👋🏻 — Loguito Fcb (@Loguito6) May 22, 2025 Modric est le meilleur milieu de l'histoire du football — 𝙑𝙞𝙨𝙩𝙖🃏 (@vista_213) May 22, 2025 Karim Benzema rend hommage à Luka Modric : « 𝗠𝗲𝗿𝗰𝗶, 𝗺𝗲𝗿𝗰𝗶 𝗯𝗲𝗮𝘂𝗰𝗼𝘂𝗽 ! 𝗤𝘂𝗲𝗹 𝗷𝗼𝘂𝗲𝘂𝗿, 𝗻𝘂𝗺𝗲́𝗿𝗼 𝟭𝟬 𝗽𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝘁𝗼𝘂𝗷𝗼𝘂𝗿𝘀 ☝️❤️ » — ACTU_BENZEMA 9️⃣ (@Big_benze_9) May 22, 2025 Toni Kroos qui accompagne Modric dans le rond central pour un dernier hommage au Bernabéu.J'en pleure déjà les frères. — Francysco (@Franc_Ysco) May 22, 2025 🚨 CRISTIANO RONALDO 🇵🇹 REND À SON TOUR HOMMAGE À LUKA MODRIC 🇭🇷 ✨ :( 📲 IG ) — Instant Foot ⚽️ (@lnstantFoot) May 22, 2025 Rodrygo : "Papa… aujourd'hui est un jour très triste pour moi et les Madridistas, sachant que bientôt nous ne t'aurons plus sur le terrain, avec le # est difficile d'exprimer avec des mots ce que tu représentes pour moi depuis que j'ai rejoint ce club. J'ai appris de toi… — Edition Merengue (@EditionMerengue) May 22, 2025 - Is Luka Modrić in the top 5 of the greatest players of Real? 📲 - 🎥 Real Madrid pays a touching tribute to Luka Modrić - After Modric's departure, a new hierarchy of captains is being redefined at Real Madrid 📸 Florencia Tan Jun - 2025 Getty Images
Metro
06-05-2025
- Sport
- Metro
Real Madrid legend Toni Kroos names the best midfielder in the world
Real Madrid and Germany legend Toni Kroos has picked out Barcelona star Pedri as the best midfielder in world football. Kroos retired from all forms of football last summer after an illustrious career at the top spanning nearly two decades. The German is remembered as one of the finest midfield players of his generation having won practically every accolade in the game, including the 2014 World Cup, four La Liga titles and five Champions League crowns. But Kroos' retirement leaves a void for the next wave of midfielders to step up and make a name for themselves as the leaders of the next generation, with a changing of the guard taking place at his former club Real Madrid. There remains uncertainty over the future of Kroos' long-time partner in crime, Luka Modric, and the likes of Jude Bellingham, Eduardo Camavinga and Arda Guler will be expected to take up the baton over the coming seasons at the Bernabeu. But according to Kroos, Madrid's arch-rivals Barcelona boast the most complete midfielder on the planet in Pedri. The Spain international has been firing on all cylinders, with Barca looking to add the Champions League and La Liga to their haul this season having already lifted the Spanish Super Cup and the Copa del Rey. 'For me, a player like Pedri is more important than Lamine Yamal, Raphinha or Lewandowski,' Kroos said. 'They may decide the results of matches, but to do that, Pedri is currently the best player in the world in his position. 'He's a player you will miss when he's not playing, whoever you are playing against. 'He doesn't just score goals or provide assists, he offers solutions.' Kroos has kept a close eye on Pedri throughout Barca's European campaign and believes the Spaniard has got the better of every opponent he has come up against. 'I have been watching what Pedri is doing this season. In the Champions League, he's better than his opponents in every game,' he added. 'In La Liga, the difference [between him and his opponents] is only more extreme. 'If you lose a player like him, you will notice. He's the best. 'He's one of the few midfielders in his position that has the ability to beat dribble past players when there is no space. 'A player like Pedri helps you in every area of the game.' More Trending Looking back on his own tussles with Pedri, Kroos remembered how the Barcelona academy graduate ran rings around him during one particular El Clasico meeting. 'I experienced it myself, once especially. He demolished us [Madrid] at home,' Kroos continued. 'Once or twice I thought I could get to him, because he doesn't look so quick, but he dribbles so well and I couldn't even stop him with a foul. 'He's not like [Lionel] Messi, whose speed of movement you see. Pedri doesn't seem so quick, but he really is.' Is Pedri the best midfielder in the world? For more stories like this, check our sport page. Follow Metro Sport for the latest news on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. MORE: Real Madrid offer transfer fee to Liverpool to sign Trent Alexander-Arnold early MORE: William Saliba stance on Real Madrid revealed after approach for Arsenal star MORE: Gerwyn Price is dreaming of a Premier League Darts and Greyhound Derby double success
Yahoo
04-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Real Madrid Legend Praises Barca Star Pedri as La Liga Race Intensifies
The soccer community already knows the rivalry between FC Barcelona and Real Madrid. The two are arguably the biggest clubs in the world, and they fight for titles every season. This season, Barcelona has had the upper hand over Real Madrid as they have beaten them for two trophies. Barcelona defeated Real Madrid 5-2 for the Spanish Super Cup earlier this year, and last weekend, they defeated Madrid 3-2 in the Copa del Rey final. Advertisement As the league season is almost coming to an end, a Real Madrid legend spoke highly about Barcelona midfielder Pedri. The legend was Toni Kroos, who was a crucial player for Los Blancos for years. The German star retired last summer, and his impact in the midfield has been hurting Real Madrid this season. On his podcast, Einfach mal Lupp, Kroos believes that Pedri is very important to Barcelona and mentions how highly he values him. Kroos said: "In my eyes, a player like Pedri is almost more important than Lamine Yamal, Raphinha or Lewandowski. They are the ones who decide the outcome of matches, but to achieve that, Pedri is currently the best player in the world in his position in my eyes.' Kroos has played nine times against Pedri throughout his career. The German midfielder won six games against Pedri and lost three times. Kroos's last match against Pedri was in the 2024 Euros, where Kroos injured Pedri in the quarterfinals match between Germany and Spain. The admiration Kroos has for the Spanish midfielder is what he receives from other players and fans as well. As mentioned before, Real Madrid has struggled to regain control in the midfield to allow other players to shine. Kroos believes that Pedri is key for Barcelona to tick this season. Kroos: "Pedri, in general, is a player you will miss when he's not playing, no matter who you're against. He doesn't just score goals, he doesn't just provide assists. He offers solutions. I've been watching what Pedri is doing this season, and in the Champions League alone, he's outclassing his opponents every game. In La Liga, it's even more extreme!" Another 'El Clásico' Awaits Kroos's comments come at a crucial time for Real Madrid as they are desperate to win a trophy ahead of FC Barcelona. After today's 3-2 win against Celta Vigo, Madrid have a chance to remain pushing for the league title. Another edition of El Clásico is next week, but this time in the league. This is a 'must-win' game for Real Madrid, as a loss can hinder their league title chase drastically. Barcelona is 1st with 79 points and Real Madrid is second with 75 points, both after 34 games played. Advertisement The match between the two is next Sunday, at the Lluis Companys Olympic Stadium. The last La Liga match between the two giants ended in a 4-0 away win for FC Barcelona at the Bernabeu. With four games left in La Liga, any point is valuable for both teams as the title race could be tighter or completely over next week. Related: Harry Kane Left Watching As Bayern Miss Chance To Seal Bundesliga Title
Yahoo
29-04-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Madrid and Germany's Rüdiger has knee surgery, recovery time unclear
Real Madrid and Germany defender Antonio Rüdiger had a knee operation on Tuesday and faces a race to be fit for the Nations League Final Four and the Club World Cup. The centre back was already facing a lengthy ban from the Spanish FA after throwing an object at the referee in Saturday's Spanish Cup final defeat to Barcelona. Advertisement "Antonio Rüdiger underwent surgery today for a tear in the outer meniscus of his left knee. The operation was performed by Dr Manuel Leyes under the supervision of Real Madrid's medical services," a club statement said. "Rüdiger will begin his recovery process shortly." No word was given on how long he would be out for, but meniscus injuries can be serious. Spanish newspaper AS said Rüdiger would be out for six to eight weeks and that the decision for surgery had been taken given he is likely to miss the La Liga run-in due to suspension. Madrid trail Barcelona by four points with five games left. Advertisement German website T-Online also said he would miss weeks rather than months. Germany's Nations League semi-final against Portugal is on June 4 in Munich, with the final or third-place match following four days later. Madrid's Club World Cup campaign starts on June 18 against Al Hilal in Miami. Rüdiger is now a huge doubt for at least the Germany games, amid calls for him to be dropped anyway because of his antics in the Copa del Rey final. Former Madrid and Germany team-mate Toni Kroos opposes any sanction by the national team. "All these people coming out of the woodwork again, calling for him to be excluded from the national team and so on. Especially since some of them, let's just say, probably should have been suspended themselves back in the day," the 2014 World Cup winner said. Advertisement Other former national players, such as Lothar Matthäus and Dietmar Hamann, have sharply criticized Rüdiger. Rudi Völler, the sporting director of the German national team, told dpa the incident was "not acceptable." He added: "Especially as a Germany international. He has to change that and he knows that himself, as his public reaction shows." Retired Kroos warned against overreacting. "He will get his punishment and it will be justified. But we don't need to act as if he killed someone," Kroos said during an event for his indoor Icon League in Dusseldorf late on Monday. "You always have to be careful not to just go along with the flow." Advertisement Kroos said he had been in contact with Rüdiger, who has publicly apologized. "It was a big mistake, I think the images speak for themselves. He knows that too, and he is aware of it," Kroos added.
