Carlo Ancelotti pays tribute to Toni Kroos, but reveals how Real Madrid will cope with his absence
Manager of Real Madrid Carlo Ancelotti he praised Toni Kroosbrave to take the decision to retire from the game at the age of 34, despite the fact that he clearly has a lot in the tank to continue playing at the highest level.
“Veteran players, legends, have to choose their destiny,” Ancelotti explained.
“Toni made this decision and we have to respect it. We have to say goodbye to him as best we can. I respect his decision, it is that of a man with balls, this is the reality. Replacing a person like that is almost impossible, but this team has resources in young people to take responsibility and follow the path drawn in the last ten years”.
Yet he was optimistic about the future even without him, citing that the key to Real Madrid's continued success was the dressing room atmosphere.
“Every year they lose pieces, but they don't lose the atmosphere, the attitude and the commitment, they have to keep the same. there is a clean environment. It depends on each person, but I don't think it was a complicated decision for him “.
Ancelotti was asked if he tried to change Kroos' mind about the decision.
“We discussed. He was convinced. Saying goodbye like this would be ideal. So you have to have the courage to do it and I have a lot of respect for what he did.
As for a replacement, the Italian was as stumped as the rest of us, although they have the quality coming for him.
“One of his technical qualities is very difficult to find, it is not what we think. We think to prepare the final to win. Trying to change his mind was not easy. There were no tears.”
Part of the reason he will be so hard to replace is because of his uniqueness, something Ancelotti has also found words for.
“A very high and very continuous performance, without dips. One of the few who knows how to manage the timing of games with possession. His success in the past is unique. He has contributed a lot to football, he is one of the best midfielders in the history of the game.”
Kroos will have a sold out Santiago Bernabeu on Saturday night in which to say goodbye to the Real Madrid fans before the serious business of the Champions League final, and his final game for the club.
