“It’s All About Money”: Toni Kroos Gives His Take on Football in Saudi Arabia

• Toni Kroos has voiced his displeasure regarding several players opting to transfer to Saudi Arabia this summer
• The Real Madrid star stated that his decision to relocate was not motivated by concerns about human rights
• This trend coincides with an increasing number of globally renowned players being drawn to the Middle East

Toni Kroos has once again commented on the Saudi Arabian league and their high-profile transfers this window.

Just last week, the German midfielder wrote "embarrassing" beneath Fabrizio Romano's post about the departure of young Celta Vigo forward Gabri Veiga to Al Ahli.

Now, the Real Madrid maestro has once more addressed this matter, expressing strong disapproval for this growing and prevalent trend in recent times.

Stars like Neymar, N'Golo Kante, Ruben Neves, Riyad Mahrez, Roberto Firmino, Jordan Henderson, Kalidou Koulibaly, Allan Saint-Maximin, and Aymeric Laporte have joined the ranks of players now engaging in their professional careers within the country following staggering transfer deals.

Man City's Laporte joins Saudi side Al-Nassr

Football

Kroos told Sports Illustrated via Marca:

"It has been said that the football there is ambitious, but it all revolves around money. In the end, it is a decision for money and against football."

Kroos displayed a touch more understanding towards individuals like Cristiano Ronaldo, his former teammate at Real Madrid, who moved to the Pro League during the later stages of their careers.

"That's when it starts to be difficult for the football we all know and love, everyone has to make a decision for themselves, like Cristiano Ronaldo, who decided to do it towards the end of his career," he said.

Kroos accused of jealousy

Meanwhile, Kroos has come under serious scrutiny following his criticism of Gabri Veiga’s imminent transfer to Saudi Pro League side Al-Ahli.

Veiga had a stellar 2022/23 season with La Liga's Celta Vigo, attracting attention from top European clubs, including Napoli and some in England.

Man City swoop for Belgian winger Doku

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However, Al-Ahli appears to have gained an advantage in securing the youngster's services. But in a twist to the tale, Toni Kroos, known for his outspoken nature, reacted to Fabrizio Romano's 'Here we go' announcement of the deal, per Football Espana.

Kroos slams Veiga's Saudi move

Earlier, Sports Brief reported that Kroos appears to have disapproved of Celta Vigo midfielder Gabri Veiga's forthcoming move to Saudi Pro League outfit Al-Ahli.

Veiga's 2022/23 season drew interest from prominent European clubs. Nevertheless, it seems Al-Ahli is on the verge of finalizing the transfer.

Kroos, the German international, has expressed his dissent regarding the move.