“It has not been the same after leaving Real Madrid” - Toni Kroos delivers verdict on Cristiano Ronaldo since parting ways with Los Blancos

Former Real Madrid superstar Toni Kroos believes Cristiano Ronaldo hasn't been as successful since leaving Los Blancos in 2018. The five-time Ballon d'Or winner has struggled to replicate the same level of success at his subsequent clubs - Juventus, Manchester United and Al-Nassr - since then.

Cristiano Ronaldo established himself as one of the greatest players of all time during his stint at Real Madrid between 2009 and 2018. He became the club's highest goalscorer, netting 450 goals and providing 131 assists in 438 appearances across competitions.

Moreover, Ronaldo also helped Los Blancos win 15 trophies, including two La Liga and four UEFA Champions League titles. Despite having the option of staying at the Santiago Bernabeu and building on his success, the then-33-year-old opted to join Juventus in the summer of 2018.

He bagged some success with the Old Lady, bagging five trophies, including two Serie A titles, between 2018 and 2021. However, he has failed to win a trophy since then, failing to find success during his second stint at Manchester United and his ongoing stint at Al-Nassr (since December 2022).

Kroos, who plied his trade with Cristiano Ronaldo between 2014 and 2018, gave his take on the same (via @MadridXtra):

“With Cristiano Ronaldo, it has not been the same after leaving Real Madrid, because he is addicted to success and trophies, which he had more at Real Madrid, and I am sure he sees it the same way.”

Kroos represented Real Madrid until 2024, when he announced his retirement. He found great success at the club, winning 22 trophies.

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"They have decided not to stop at the peak" - Former Real Madrid superstar Toni Kroos credits Cristiano Ronaldo and Luka Modric for being 'addicted to success'

Former Real Madrid midfielder Toni Kroos also praised Cristiano Ronaldo and Luka Modric for not stopping at the peak of their prowess. Despite being 39 and 38 respectively, the pair continue to play at a high level.

Kroos said (via @TheNassrZone):

“Cristiano and Luka are addicted to success during their career. That doesn't stop. And they have decided not to stop at the peak - like 95% of all players, by the way - but to enjoy football a little longer, and that is also a good way. And if they are happy with it, everything is good.”

Ronaldo represents Saudi Pro League outfit Al-Nassr and is set to play his third season there. Despite not winning any trophies last season, he won the Golden Boot for scoring a record 35 goals, garnering 44 goals and 13 assists in 45 appearances across competitions, breaking the league's single-season scoring record in the process.

In contrast, Modric still plies his trade for Los Blancos, helping them win three trophies last season, including the La Liga and UCL titles. He recently extended his contract at the club for another season, replacing Nacho as club captain.