Toni Kroos slams ex-teammate Cristiano Ronaldo and fellow Saudi stars as ‘anti-football’

Real Madrid legend Toni Kroos has slammed Cristiano Ronaldo and fellow players that have made the switch to the Saudi Pro League this year, branding them ‘against football’ and only following money.

Former teammate Ronaldo started the movement when he joined Al-Nassr in January, but he has since been joined by plenty of high-profile players, with the likes of Ruben Neves, Edouard Mendy, Riyad Mahrez and Fabinho all heading to the middle east to play for different sides.

They aren’t finished yet either, with a week left in the transfer window for Saudi Arabian sides and the likes of Mo Salah still amog high profile targets, with Al Ittihad thought to be preparing a £200m bid for the Egyptian. Given Liverpool’s inability to replace their talisman, it is almost certain to be rejected but it is a clear sign of the ambition of the division.

Despite this, Kroos is not a fan, and revealed that for him, the human rights issues of the country would be a major stumbling block in any opportunity for him to head to Saudi.

“It has been said that ambitious football is played there, but everything revolves around money. In the end, it is a decision for money and against football”, he told Spanish outlet AS.

“That’s when it starts to be difficult for the football we all know and love,”

“Everyone has to make that decision for themselves, as Cristiano Ronaldo, who decided to do it towards the end of his career . But it becomes very difficult when players, who are in the middle of their career and have the quality to play for the best clubs in Europe, decide to make those changes. The lack of human rights is what would prevent me from leaving.”

Read more:

Al Ittihad sound out FIFTH Liverpool star over potential Saudi move

Tottenham lining up late £50m move for Chelsea star