Published 11:34 IST, August 6th 2020
Toni Kroos chooses Cristiano Ronaldo, 3 Real Madrid players in dream XI for farewell game
Real Madrid midfielder Toni Kroos picked his starting XI for his farewell match. The team includes former teammate Cristiano Ronaldo and 3 Real Madrid teammates
Having clinched the LaLiga title, Real Madrid midfielder Toni Kroos has been sweating it out in training ahead of his side’s Champions League clash against Manchester City. Amid all the talk over the resumption of Champions League action this week, the Germany international took some time out to reveal the playing XI he’d want for his testimonial.
Toni Kroos picks his team for testimonial
Kroos appeared on the Einfach Mal Luppen podcast alongside his brother Felix when he revealed the team he’d want for his farewell game. The podcast revolved around Kroos’ final match and the players he’d want in his testimonial. Although Kroos did joke that it was too early to think about that particular scenario, he went ahead and answered the question. The midfielder began drawing up his starting line-up on a sheet of paper.
Sergio Ramos, two Real Madrid midfielders make the cut
His pick between the sticks was far from surprising with his national teammate Manuel Neuer taking up the gloves. The defence line begins with Stefan Reinartz and Gonzalo Castro. The two defenders shared the dressing room with Kroos at Bayer Leverkusen. His Real Madrid teammate Sergio Ramos, who according to Kroos is one of the best centre-backs of all time, also made it to the line-up.
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Cristiano Ronaldo to lead the lines for Toni Kroos
Kroos decided to opt for a four-man midfield, including the Real Madrid duo of Luka Modric, Casemiro, Bayern Munich midfielder Joshua Kimmich and himself. His front trio includes former Bayern teammates Thomas Muller and already retired Miroslav Klose, apart from his former Real Madrid teammate Cristiano Ronaldo. The 2014 World Cup winner went on to describe the Portuguese icon as the best player he has ever played with.
Kroos did not play in the first leg of the Champions League Round of 16 against Man City. Gabriel Jesus and Kevin De Bruyne scored for Pep Guardiola at the Santiago Bernabeu to bag an important victory, with Isco scoring the only goal for Los Blancos. Meanwhile, Zinedine Zidane will have to cope with the absence of Ramos, who was sent off in the first leg. The second leg will be played on Friday at the Etihad.
Image courtesy: Cristiano Ronaldo, Toni Kroos Twitter
Updated 11:34 IST, August 6th 2020