Former Germany international and legendary midfielder Toni Kroos has revealed the pivotal role Carlo Ancelotti played in convincing him to leave Bayern Munich for Real Madrid in the summer of 2014.

Kroos, who had just helped Germany win the FIFA World Cup that year, made the €25 million move during the summer transfer window. At the time, Real Madrid had just won the 2013/14 UEFA Champions League under Ancelotti, yet the Italian tactician was determined to further strengthen his squad.

In an interview shared via MadridXtra, Kroos reflected on the difficult decision to leave Bayern Munich, a club where he had developed and achieved tremendous success.

“Ancelotti brought me to Madrid in 2014; he really wanted me after the World Cup,” Kroos said. “They had just won the UEFA Champions League, and he told me he wanted to take the team to the next level.

“It was not easy to leave Bayern to join Real Madrid, but he made things simpler and motivated me.”

Kroos went on to become one of Real Madrid’s most decorated players, clinching five UEFA Champions League titles and multiple La Liga trophies before retiring at the end of the 2023/24 season.

A Masterstroke by Ancelotti: The Kroos Effect

Kroos’ transfer to Real Madrid in 2014 is now seen as one of the greatest bargains in modern football. At €25 million, the German maestro proved to be an indispensable cog in the Madrid machine, forming one of the most iconic midfield trios alongside Luka Modric and Casemiro.

Ancelotti’s vision to elevate Real Madrid beyond their “La Décima” triumph proved prophetic. Kroos brought precision, calmness, and exceptional passing range, becoming a cornerstone of Real Madrid’s dominance in European football over the past decade.

Kroos’ admission highlights Ancelotti’s genius as a motivator and strategist. Despite inheriting a victorious squad, the Italian manager recognized the need for reinforcements to sustain success. His ability to persuade a World Cup-winning midfielder to embrace a new challenge was instrumental in Madrid’s evolution into a team for the ages.

Kroos’ Legacy: A Perfect Marriage of Talent and Opportunity

Toni Kroos’ story is a testament to the power of taking calculated risks. Leaving Bayern Munich, a club he grew up with, was undoubtedly a tough decision, but it ultimately allowed him to achieve legendary status at Real Madrid. His consistency, professionalism, and technical brilliance set him apart as one of the finest midfielders of his generation.

For Madrid, the acquisition of Kroos exemplifies how long-term planning and the right leadership can shape the trajectory of a club. The trust Ancelotti placed in him paid off spectacularly, creating a legacy that will be remembered for decades.

Readers’ Corner: Kroos, Ancelotti, and the Road to Glory

Toni Kroos’ reflections on his Real Madrid journey provide valuable lessons about embracing change and seizing opportunities. What do you think about Kroos’ career at Real Madrid? How important was Ancelotti’s role in shaping the midfielder’s legacy?

Share your thoughts below as we celebrate one of football’s greats!