Toni Kroos brought down the curtain on his incredible Real Madrid career in the final game of the 2023/24 season.
After announcing his call not to sign another one-year contract extension in the Spanish capital, he confirmed his plan to retire after UEFA Euro 2024, with his final club outing coming in the UEFA Champions League final.
Los Blancos fans roared in celebration as he was substituted in the closing stages of their 2-0 final win over Borussia Dortmund at Wembley Stadium.
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Kroos' final farewell to Real Madrid was a fitting tribute to an outstanding stint at the club as he lifted four La Liga titles and five Champions League crowns across a trophy-filled decade.
His spot as a Real Madrid legend is secure, but the former midfielder has revealed how close he came to joining Manchester United, instead of landing at the Estadio Santiago Bernabeu.
Why did Toni Kroos not join Man United?
Kroos was effectively offered a choice of two transfer options in 2014 after opting to move on from Bayern Munich ahead of the 2014/15 season.
Real Madrid had expressed an interest in him, but Man United's interest was stronger, as David Moyes made a personal push to bring him to Old Trafford.
Following his departure from United, Moyes has revealed how close he came to signing a host of stars, including Kroos' future Real Madrid teammate Garth Bale.
Kroos has opened up on the turning-point moment in his career, including Moyes being incredibly sacked by United whilst still in his house, which ultimately blocked any chance of moving to Manchester.
"In 2014, before I signed with Real Madrid, I had already agreed with Manchester United", as per quotes carried by Sport1.
Toni Kroos reveals he was close to signing with Man Utd in 2014 but their hiring of Louis van Gaal stunted his interest. 👀 pic.twitter.com/egjmHB4wVj
— CBS Sports Golazo ⚽️ (@CBSSportsGolazo) September 26, 2024
"That would have been a move from Bayern to United. But then they kicked out David Moyes, who I was still sitting on my couch with in Munich, and hired Louis van Gaal. Then we both declined and said thanks."
Kroos' remarks indicate he was not enthused about working with van Gaal again, after one season together in Munch in 2010/11, with the Dutch coach wanting to put his own stamp on United.
Contact from United then dropped off, as Kroos assessed his options, and a post-World Cup call from Carlo Ancelotti persuaded him on Madrid, as the rest became another frustrating piece of recent history for United fans.
