Article by Cosmin Nistor – Published on Wednesday, 12 November 2025, 22:42 / Updated on Wednesday, 12 November 2025 22:43
Toni Kroos (35), the legendary midfielder of Real Madrid, retired from football in the spring of 2024, spoke about the situation at the club in the capital of Spain and about the young Arda Guler (20), considered by many to be his successor in the center of the field.
In an interview with Diario AS, the former Germany international praised the Turk's progress but clarified that Guler is “not at all his successor” at Real.
Toni Kroos, the former midfielder of Real: “He is a different type of player to me”
“I'm happy he's playing a lot more this year because he deserves football and he's a reliable boy for the future. He's a different type of player to me.
His best position is clearly more offensive than mineso he is not my successor at all.
But I'm happy for him. I had the opportunity to play with him. He has a fine touch on the ball, which he has already managed to use very well at Real Madrid this season.
I hope he continues to play consistently, because that's the only way he can progress. I'm sure he can mark a new era at Real Madrid for many years to come,” said Kroos.
Arda Guler, a new role under Xabi Alonso
The young Turkish footballer, transferred in 2023 from Fenerbahce for no less than 26 million euros, was reprofiled by Xabi Alonso (43 years old) in a more defensive role, where he stood out with vision and spectacular executions.
This season, Guler has ticked off 16 games, scoring 3 goals and 6 assists.
Kroos on life after retirement: 'I have enough to do'
Although retired, Toni Kroos says he leads an extremely active life in Madrid:
“Just because I'm heard less doesn't mean I don't have anything to do. There's a lot going on. I work daily at my academy in Madrid, where I personally train two teams.
In addition, my foundation turned 10 years old, I celebrated with a big event in Dusseldorf”, added the former German midfielder, according to the quoted source.
Toni Kroos, the pillar of Germany and Real Madrid
Toni Kroos played in no less than 465 matches in the white shirt, during which he managed to score 28 times and provided 99 decisive assists. In his career, he also spent time at Greifswalder, Hansa Rostock, Bayern Munich and Bayer Leverkusen.
For the German national team, the former midfielder scored 17 goals and provided 21 assists in 114 official matches.
