“But it’s different if you go like Cristiano Ronaldo” - Toni Kroos reiterates stance on players joining Saudi Pro League

Former Real Madrid midfielder Toni Kroos has reiterated his stance on players moving to Saudi Arabia. He believes a move to the Saudi Pro League only makes sense if a player is nearing the end of his career, like Cristiano Ronaldo.

Speaking to The Athletic's Mario Cortegana, Kroos urged youngsters to focus on growing in Europe and not worry about big money moves. He added that the ideal time to move was like Ronaldo and Nacho, who made the jump after achieving a lot in their respective careers. He said:

"You see the difference in these examples, someone who won Champions League titles and is closer to the end of his career is different to someone who leaves at 21. Going so young takes you away from being a good player and winning titles if you go so early. That's the difference.

"I'm not a fan of anyone going there. But it's different if you go like Nacho or Cristiano Ronaldo, at the end of their careers who have done everything, are legends at Madrid and in Europe."

Toni Kroos reportedly had offers to join Cristiano Ronaldo in the Saudi Pro League but opted to retire from professional football. He called it time on his club and international career at the end of the 2023/24 season.

Why Toni Kroos is against young players joining Cristiano Ronaldo in the Saudi Pro League

Toni Kroos spoke to Sports Illustrated in 2023 and said he was not pleased to see young players following Cristiano Ronaldo to the Saudi Pro League. He stated that the decision was motivated by money and not ambition to do well on the pitch.

"It is 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. It's starting to be difficult for the football we all know and love."

He went on to claim that players in their peaks should also not be moving to the Middle East as they are setting bad examples. He continued:

"What I have a problem with are the 26, 27, 28-year-olds, who have absolutely top quality, play in top clubs in Europe and have the chance to achieve that in the next three or four years what others who are going there have already achieved. I'm not a fan of that. It's an incredibly bad example for a lot of young youth players that the motivation is money. I think it's a pity for everyone who puts sporting thoughts to the back of their minds in the absolute top football age. That's just not a good role model for me and a danger for the football of the future."

Cristiano Ronaldo is reportedly likely to extend his contract at Al Nassr afte revealing he was not thinking of returning to Europe.