The former Real Madrid midfielder denied statements that spread across social media about an alleged return to the pitch to play alongside Rodri, but he didn't hide his fondness for the idea.
Social media was abuzz with alleged statements from legendary Toni Kroos, in which the former Real Madrid midfielder announced a sensational return from retirement. The reason, as claimed, was the potential arrival of Spanish captain Rodri from Manchester City to the ranks of the Royal Club.
According to Goal.com, which cites Spanish outlet Defensa Central, quotes attributed to Kroos flooded the internet. They suggested that Rodri's transfer could force him to lace up his boots once again.
"If Rodri comes to Real Madrid, I might be forced to come out of retirement just to play alongside him. Maybe he could teach me a thing or two about becoming a complete midfielder," read one of the alleged quotes reported by Goal.com.
However, the whole story took an unexpected turn. Toni Kroos himself decided to put an end to the speculation and personally denied the authenticity of the statements via his Instagram profile. His response was brief and clear, yet ambiguous enough to keep the debate alive among fans.
"I never said this... but I still like it," Kroos wrote, confirming that he wasn't the author of those words, but also not hiding that the idea itself thrilled him. Goal.com interprets this reaction as a sort of "blessing" for Rodri's potential arrival in Madrid.
In the fake statements that circulated, Kroos allegedly highlighted Rodri as the player he most wanted to see in coach José Mourinho's project, envisioning him in midfield alongside compatriot Bernardo Silva. "Imagine Rodri and Bernardo Silva controlling Real Madrid's midfield. You'd be moving part of Pep Guardiola's Manchester City to the Santiago Bernabéu," the posts read.
Although fabricated, these statements touch on the real ambitions of the Madrid club. Meanwhile, Real Madrid is not idle in the transfer market. According to Fabrizio Romano, the club has just agreed to a massive transfer. Young Ivorian winger Yan Diomande arrives from RB Leipzig for a fee exceeding €100 million. The 26-year-old is expected to fly to Madrid this week for a medical and sign a contract until June 2031.
While there is speculation about arrivals, some players are fighting for their status. Goal.com reports on Trent Alexander-Arnold, the right-back who left Liverpool last summer to move to Real Madrid. His adventure in Spain hasn't gone as planned; last season he started only 14 La Liga matches and failed to score a goal.
The arrival of Denzel Dumfries has further threatened his position, and talkSPORT pundit Angelina Kelly has called on Liverpool to consider a sensational return for their former favorite to Anfield. "When Real Madrid calls, it's hard to say no. He made that move and it hasn't really worked out. I think they should swallow their pride and look into the situation with Trent," Kelly said.
